Ezekiel Williams, a midfielder for Hendon FC in north-west London, has died suddenly at the age of 26, the club has announced. The news was confirmed in an emotional statement posted on social media on Tuesday evening (November 3).
Williams died on Monday afternoon. Hendon described him as "a humble, unassuming and generous individual" and said the club was "stunned and heartbroken" by the loss.
Club statement and postponed match
In the statement, Hendon said: "We are stunned and heartbroken to announce the sudden and tragic passing of midfielder Ezekiel Williams yesterday afternoon aged 26."
The club added: "A humble, unassuming and generous individual with a razor-sharp wit, Eze joined the club in September and quickly established himself as a highly popular member of the dressing room and was beginning to carve a place for himself in midfield with a series of hard-working and selfless displays that summed him up as a person."
Williams scored his first goal for the club against Jersey Bulls just 10 days before his death. As a mark of respect, Hendon postponed Wednesday's London Senior Cup tie with Woodford Town to allow players and management time to process the news.
Tributes from manager and secretary
Manager Adam Fisher paid tribute, saying: "I just can't believe this news. Has absolutely rocked me. Top lad, generous, kind, a great team-mate and a really good footballer. Glad you signed off with a goal Ez. As a club, management, set of players and supporters we will do all we can to help and support."
Club secretary Jeremy Lawrence said: "This is devastating. He was a lovely guy. I clearly remember going to his house to sign him and how welcoming he was and so humble. He will be greatly missed both as a player but more importantly as a caring human being."
Fundraiser and wider football tributes
A fundraiser has been established in Williams' memory, with Hendon urging supporters to contribute. The club said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Ezekiel's family, friends, and everyone who knew him at this devastating time. He will be very sadly missed by all of us at Hendon Football Club. RIP Eze."
Fellow clubs also offered condolences. Jersey Bulls wrote: "Condolences to Eze's friends and family at this awful time. Our thoughts are with you all. May Eze rest in peace." Hartley Wintney said: "Devastating news, we are so sorry to hear this. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to Ezekiel's family and his football family at Hendon, both of which must be devastated by his sudden passing. RIP young man."
London Colney manager Matty Day added: "Such sad and awful news, he contacted me randomly at start of season having not even met him properly and an only been an opponent once. He arranged for a player he knew to come down who I ended up signing. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."
