Nottingham Forest Owner Nigel Doughty Found Dead in His Gym

The owner of the Nottingham Forest Football Club, Nigel Doughty, was found dead in the gym at his home in Skillington, Lincolnshire on Saturday, at around two in the afternoon. Police indicate there is no foul play and Doughty is believed to have died of a heart attack.

"Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty has sadly passed away today. Condolences to his family and friends i'm sure from everyone at #nffc," posted Stan Collymore (a former Nottingham Forest striker) on Twitter.

The 54-year-old millionaire was also the co-founder of Doughty Hanson & Co. (a private equity firm based in London) and the Assistant Treasurer of the Labour Party, to whom he had donated more than £3.5million over the last seven years.

"I am shocked and saddened to hear of Nigel Doughty's death. I was with him only a week ago and he was full of life, enthusiasm and vigour," ft.com quoted Labour Party leader, Ed Miliband as saying.

"He was a kind, generous man with a deep desire to make the world a better place," he added.

Doughty, who was a long-time supporter of Nottingham Forest, saved the club from administration by taking it over for £11 million in 1999. He spent in excess of £100 million for the welfare of the club.

The club is currently playing in the English Football League Championship - the second division of profesional football in England - and are in danger of relegation to an even lower level - Football League One. They were due to play local rivals Derby on Sunday. The game has been postponed as a mark of respect to Doughty and the club.

He is survived by Lucy, his wife, and four children.