Hibernian FC will pay tribute to lifelong supporter Chris Lewis, 58, who died after falling unwell during a match at Easter Road earlier this month. The club has invited his family to attend tonight's UEFA Conference League play-off match against K.A.A. Gent as guests.
Incident during Partick Thistle match
Lewis became unwell just half an hour after kick-off during Hibs' Premier Sports Cup tie against Partick Thistle on Sunday, August 16. Despite the efforts of emergency services, medical professionals, club staff and fellow supporters, he died at the scene.
Police were called to Easter Road around 2.30pm after receiving a report that a man had taken unwell inside the stadium. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.30pm on Sunday, 16 August, 2026 police received a report of a man having taken unwell within Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh. Emergency services attended and a 59-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Tributes and family invitation
In a statement, Hibs described Lewis as a “lifelong and passionate Hibernian supporter” who regularly attended matches at Easter Road alongside close family and friends. The club confirmed there will be a minute's applause before kick-off for supporters to pay tribute to Lewis and his family.
The club added: “Everyone at Hibernian FC sends our deepest condolences to Chris's family, friends and loved ones. Rest in peace, Chris.”
Context and recent similar incident
The tragedy occurred during Hibs' 1-0 victory over Partick Thistle, with Owen Elding scoring the only goal as the Easter Road side progressed to the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup. Tonight's match against Gent sees Hibs return to Easter Road for another important fixture.
Lewis's death came days before a 65-year-old Celtic fan died after falling unwell during the Champions League clash against LASK at Parkhead on Wednesday night. The alarm was raised at around 9pm, and the man was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he later died. That death is also not being treated as suspicious.
