Midfielder Ezekiel Williams, 26, has died suddenly, his club Hendon has announced. The club described him as "a humble, unassuming and generous individual" in a tribute shared on social media on Tuesday evening.
Hendon compete in the Isthmian League South Central Division, the eighth tier of English football. Williams died on Monday afternoon.
Club tribute and postponed match
In its 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 only 10 days before his death. As a sign of respect, Hendon postponed Wednesday's London Senior Cup tie with Woodford Town.
Fundraiser and manager's reaction
A fundraiser has been set up in Williams' memory, with Hendon urging supporters to donate. The club wrote: "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."
Hendon manager Adam Fisher paid his respects in a post on X, 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."
Tributes from other clubs
Fellow non-league clubs also offered tributes. Jersey Bulls said: "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."
The Essex Senior League said: "Everyone at the Essex Senior League is deeply saddened to hear this tragic news. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Ezekiel's family, friends, everyone at Hendon FC and all who knew him. Rest in peace, Eze."
London Colney manager Matty Day said: "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."
