20-year-old footballers from the same club die in horror car crashes
Two 20-year-old footballers from the same club die in horror car crashes just months apart
- The two deaths have left the club ‘devastated’
A football club in Kent has been left devastated after two of its players died within months of each other.
Charles Bolt, 20, and Reece van Sertima, 20 both passed away from separate incidents, leaving Maidstone United Raiders, a disability team, reeling from the losses.
Mr Bolt tragically lost his life when his Ford Fiesta was overturned and landed on a roadside barrier on the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway in Kent at around 4.25am on Monday, June 12.
His fatal accident followed his teammate, Mr van Sertima’s, death after he was hit by a lorry in October.
Mr Bolt captained the side for a memorial match against a team from their local pub in memory of Mr van Sertima, in which he was awarded man of the match.
Charles Bolt (pictured) tragically lost his life when his Ford Fiesta was overturned and landed on a roadside barrier on the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway in Kent at around 4.25am on Monday, June 12
Reece van Sertima (pictured) died after he was hit by a lorry in October
Maidstone United Raiders before pictured before Reece van Sertima’s memorial match
Both the young footballer’s enjoyed success with the club, being crowned champions in the gold premier division of the county’s disability league.
Lorraine Humm, who is head of disability football at Maidstone United Raiders, said: ‘The Raiders are like a family and we were all devastated when we heard the news.
‘The last time Charles played for us was in a charity match in memory of Reece van Sertima – a teammate of his who we lost last October.
‘On behalf of the club, we arranged for a floral tribute which I took to his funeral.
‘It was based on the Maidstone shirt he wore during that charity match in April.
‘Everyone connected with the Raiders sends love and best wishes to Charles’ family. We will always be here for them.’
References
- ^ George Iddenden (www.dailymail.co.uk)