A teenage footballer described as "one of the nicest people" and a "role model" has died after playing a game of football.
Adam Ankers, who played for Wycombe Wanderers' foundation team, died suddenly on Monday, February 5, following a game of football.
His father Alistair Ankers wrote: "Yesterday we lost my son Adam who passed away after playing football, the sport he loved.
"We love him so much and the loss is devastating.
He added: "He will always be with us and never forgotten."
Adam was a Wanderers fan and meant "so much" to the club, manager Matt Bloomfield said.
Yesterday we lost my son Adam, who passed away after playing football, the sport he loved. We love him so much and the loss is devastating. He will always be with us and never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/fHQMCeHtV3
— Alastair Ankers (@AlastairAnkers) February 6, 2024
Speaking to the press ahead of the Chairboys’ home clash against promotion-pushing Peterborough United on February 10, Bloomfield said: “We’re devastated to hear the news about Adam.
“To lose someone who means so much to the club and who the club meant so much to at such a young age...I’m devastated.
“Our condolences go out to the family as the loss they’re suffering now is huge.
In an X post by his father, his father Alastair said: “We love him so much and the loss is devastating.
“He will always be with us and never forgotten.”
Everyone at Wycombe Wanderers Foundation is deeply saddened at the tragic and sudden loss of avid Chairboy and Foundation player Adam Ankers. Our thoughts and prayers go to Adam’s family, friends and team mates at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace Adam. https://t.co/po1HELzkEB
— Wycombe Wanderers Foundation (@wwfcfdn) February 6, 2024
“This puts things into perspective as family and life are much greater than football.
“He spent his life doing something that he loved, as he played football for the foundation, he supported his team, and if that can give the family a crumb of comfort in what is a horrible moment, then we hope it can.
“This football club means a lot to many people, so we need to come together and find some strength in these moments.
He continued: “The football club does give opportunities to football families to come together and mourn, and we’re thinking of them at this moment in time.”
Thousands of people replied to Mr Ankers' post on the social media platform X to offer their condolences.
Charlie Goff wrote: "Adam was one of the nicest people I've ever met and was always so humble and down to earth. A pleasure to call him a 'mate' and cover his football over the last year, a role model for any young player."
Another simply said Adam was a "beautiful young man".
And one woman added: "Adam was a lovely boy and we are devastated."
As well as being a member of the Wycombe foundation, Adam was also a season ticket holder at the club.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here