Chester FC have announced the sudden death of director Ben Duggan at the age of 33, prompting tributes from the club and the Wirral community.
Club in shock over loss of youngest director
The football club said they are in "shock" over the tragedy. Ben, who was also charity manager at Dementia Together Wirral, was the outfit's youngest director and "brought a new and refreshing dynamic to the boardroom".
In a statement on Chester FC's Facebook page, the club said: "It is with deep shock and sadness we announce that Chester FC Director Ben Duggan has passed away. Ben was a co-opt to the City Fans United Board over the summer and died suddenly last weekend.
"At the age of 33, Ben was our youngest director and brought a new and refreshing dynamic to the boardroom. He had taken on the Fan Engagement and Membership portfolio, and in that short time had produced a strategy that promised to improve many areas of the club."
Black armbands for Saturday fixture
The club added: "In his memory, the players and staff will be wearing black armbands during Saturday’s fixture against Worksop Town. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ben’s family and friends at this very difficult time."
Scores of supporters responded to the club's announcement on social media and said he "made a huge difference".
Charity remembers 'warmth and kindness'
Organisers at Dementia Together Wirral described Ben as a "much-loved and highly-respected charity manager". They wrote on Facebook: "We are deeply saddened to share that Ben, our much-loved and highly-respected charity manager, has passed away. This is a devastating loss and one that will be keenly felt by all of us at Dementia Together Wirral for a long time to come.
"Ben gave so much to our charity and to the people within it, and we know how highly-regarded he was by our volunteers, friends, staff and trustees. His warmth, kindness, and dedication touch everyone who knew him.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected."
