Tributes paid to ‘kind and compassionate’ player
Multiple clubs have paid tribute to a “kind and compassionate” footballer who has died.
Devonte Aransibia started the season at Chesham United in Buckinghamshire and later made appearances for Bedford Town and Hertfordshire club Royston Town.
Manager of Royston Town Chris Watters tweeted on social media that the 26-year old was “always quiet but always smiling”.
Players and staff of Norwich City will wear black armbands throughout tonight’s encounter against Preston North End.
In 2013 the midfielder entered the club’s academy and advanced through the youth levels until departing in 2019.
Darren Huckerby, who coached him throughout his time at the Canaries, termed it as “absolutely devastating news”.
He added: “Devonte was an amazing person and quality player, loved by all his team mates and staff, tragic loss, my thoughts are with his family and friends.”
More than £9,000 has been raised for Aransibia’s family in an online fundraising.
A tribute message put on the website said: “Dev was the essence of kindness and compassion, always ready with a warm grin.
“His infectious humor and kind nature filled every place he visited, leaving a lasting influence on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
“Beyond his loving nature, Dev was a talented footballer whose passion and drive propelled him to great success on the pitch.”
Aransibia spent around a month at Bedford Town this season on a dual registration with Chesham United.
The manager of Bedford Town, Lee Bircham, said: “He was only with us for a brief while but he was a really beautiful boy. Always cheery, really got on with the boys and was a superb player.”
A spokeswoman for Royston Town said: “Devonte was a skillful and talented midfielder who originally joined the Crows in February 2022, and quickly became a fan favourite.
“His performances at Garden Walk during his initial spell with the club were truly memorable, lighting up the pitch with his exceptional ability.”
Chesham United said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of his passing and sent sympathies to his family.
Aransibia also had periods at Kent sides Tonbridge Angels FC which he joined in 2022 and Maidstone United where he made 23 appearances after arriving in 2023.
Director of football at Maidstone, Bill Williams, said: “Like all players past and present, he was welcomed into the Maidstone United family and all those who met him and watched him play will mourn the loss of someone so young.”
In a memorial Sophie Purves, chair of Tonbridge Angels, described him as a “strong, talented footballer and a sensitive young man”.
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