Police have launched an investigation after a 33-year-old man was found dead at The Valley stadium, home of Championship club Charlton Athletic. Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service were called to the ground on Tuesday morning following concerns for the welfare of a person.
Man pronounced dead at the scene
The Metropolitan Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from officers. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the man fell from height in the early hours of Monday morning.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “At around 11:15hrs on Tuesday, 18 August, officers attended The Valley stadium on Floyd Road, Charlton following concerns for the welfare of a person. Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and located a 33-year-old man, who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
Club statement expresses sympathies
Charlton Athletic, who play in English football’s second tier, praised the efforts of staff who responded to what it called a “difficult and distressing situation.” In a statement, the club said: “Police were called to the stadium today after an incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning. A male was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
The statement continued: “The death remains under investigation. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 2809/18AUG. Everyone at Charlton Athletic would like to express their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the individual's family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
Investigation ongoing
The club added: “The club are continuing to assist the authorities with their enquiries and respectfully ask that the privacy of those affected is respected. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of the club. Charlton Athletic would also like to thank its staff for the professionalism they have shown while dealing with a particularly difficult and distressing situation.”
The death is currently being treated as unexpected as inquiries continue. Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting reference 2809/18AUG.
