Former Premier League star Chris Bart-Williams dies aged 49 as tributes pour in
24 July 2023, 22:27 | Updated: 25 July 2023, 00:00
Former Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest midfielder Chris Bart-Williams has died aged 49.
Reacting to the news of Bart-Williams’ death, former Nottingham Forest teammate Mark Crossley tweeted Monday evening: "Devastating and I’m so upset to hear the news of Trevor Francis passing and my former team mate Chris Bart-Williams, both so young, it is so sad, RIP Trevor and Chris."
Kevin Campbell, ex striker for Nottingham Forest, also posted: “R.I.P. Chris, love you Bartman! My lil brother we shared such great moments and i truly am devastated at the extremely sad news!”
The news came just hours after the death of former Nottingham Forest forward Trevor Francis, who is believed to have suffered a heart attack age 69.
Ipswich Town said: “The Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former player Chris Bart-Williams. Once a Blue, always a Blue.”
In recent years, Bart-Williams ran CBW Soccer Elite in the States, as he offered coaching to young footballers and recruited for colleges.
Read more: Trevor Francis dies aged 69 as football world mourns first English £1m player
“On the coaching side of things, I get out on the field, helping kids who might want to get in their high school team, play at college or make it as a professional. But we help them off the field, too, with mentoring. That's just as important,” he told The Mirror of his work in 2018.
“We also have the recruitment element, helping kids find the right clubs or colleges. We recruit domestically and internationally. We want to help kids from abroad get into American colleges. It's hard work, but it's rewarding - I love what I do.”
The former midfielder, who was born in Sierra Leone, spent eight seasons in the Premier League and represented England at the Under-21 level.
Bart-Williams' cause of death remains unknown at present.
Reacting to the news, one social media user posted: "As if today can’t get any worse with the passing of a Forest legend, now hearing the news that Chris Bart-Williams has passed away aged just 49. Loved him at Forest! RIP Bartman."
