Non-league defender Daniel Wilkinson dies after collapsing on football pitch

Non-league defender Daniel Wilkinson has died after collapsing on the field of play. His club, Shaw Lane have announced the news on their Facebook page, confirming that Wilkinson, 26, "passed away after collapsing on the pitch", during a game against Brighouse on Monday (12 September).

Craig Wood, the club chairman, extended his condolences to Wilkinson's family and friends. "The club would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt messages and thoughts that we have received throughout the night," he said in a statement. "There are no more words at this time."

Wilkinson "suffered a suspected heart attack", according to the league's official website, which explained that he was treated by medics for more than 30 minutes before he was taken to Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.

In a statement, Brighouse Town said: "Words are not enough to capture the complete sense of despair and desolation that surrounds the club this morning following last night's tragic event.

"Our thoughts and support also go out to our footballing friends at Shaw Lane and huge thanks also must be paid to the volunteers and emergency response teams who tried valiantly to save Dan's life. Rest in peace young man — the world is a poorer place without you."

Meanwhile, the Football Association (FA) also extended its sympathies to the family and friends of Wilkinson, who began his career with Hull City before moving into non-league football. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of @SLAquaFC's Daniel Wilkinson. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends, (sic)" the FA stated.

Wilkinson's death comes a day after Ben Idrissa Derme — the former Burkina Faso international — died while playing for AJ Biguglia in the French Cup.