Shropshire teacher dies of suspected heart attack at football session
A Shropshire teacher has died after suffering a suspected heart attack while football coaching.
Craig Colley, who was head of the English department at Lakelands Academy in Ellesmere, died while at the regular evening training session of Shrewsbury Juniors Football Club.
Despite the efforts of an off-duty paramedic and ambulance crews, Mr Colley, a married father-of-two from Shrewsbury, died of a suspected heart attack last Wednesday.
Mr Colley, who is in his 40s, had been a long-term manager of the Shrewsbury Juniors and had recently become a coach at Allscott AFC in Telford and helped to form a new U14 team.
Over the years he had inspired hundreds of youngsters with his love of the game.
A statement on the Allscott AFC Facebook page said: “It is with sadness and deep regret that we have to release a status on coach Craig Colley, who sadly passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday evening.
“Craig was fairly new to the Allscott set-up, joining this summer to form the new U14 side and his impression was felt amongst us all.
“His passion, desire and love for the game, his players and parents was something to behold.”
Tributes to Mr Colley have been paid by other junior football teams including coaches and managers from Shrewsbury Juniors, SAHA FC, Newport Town U14s, Oswestry boys and girls U10s, Randlay Colts Junior Football Club and Bayston Hill Juniors FC.
Former and present pupils of Mr Colley have also taken to social media.
Charlotte Adams, from Wrexham, said: “Mr Colley was a wonderful teacher and an even better person. When I was facing difficulties at school, he always reassured me everything would be okay and was always there if I needed to talk. This is such upsetting news. Deepest condolences to his family.”
Chloe Lloyd Smith, from Shrewsbury, added that Mr Colley was ‘a legend’ at the school where he worked.
Gerard Pyburn, acting headteacher at the Lakelands Academy said: “The Lakelands Academy community has been devastated to learn of the sudden death of Craig Colley.
“Craig worked at Lakelands Academy for 12 years and inspired generations of young people who were lucky enough to have known him.“Craig was an outstanding English teacher, head of English and leadership team member.
“He was much loved by his students and a highly valued colleague and friend. Craig will be greatly missed but his influence will remain.”
