Dalian Atkinson, a former striker for Aston Villa, passed away at the age of 48 following a stun gun shot.
Atkinson passed away on Monday, according to a Press Association report:
West Mercia Police released the following statement, which was cited by ITV.com: “West Mercia Police are unable to comment any further as the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), as is normal procedure and will assist the IPCC with their inquiries.”
Two West Mercia police officers are being investigated, according to a report published on Thursday by Vikram Dodd of the Guardian.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service representative stated on August 15th, according to Sam Tonkin of MailOnline:
At approximately 1:45 a.m. this morning, we received a call from West Mercia Police to an address on Meadow Close in the Trench neighbourhood of Telford.
When the ambulance arrived, it discovered that the man had been Tasered.
His health worsened on the way to Princess Royal Hospital, when he suffered a heart arrest.
He was declared dead at the hospital shortly after arriving, despite the efforts of the crew and hospital personnel to save him.
During his 16-year playing career, Atkinson also had stints at Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, Manchester City, and Fenerbahce.
ITV.com reports that in the wee hours of Monday morning, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the police were called in response to “concerns for the safety of an individual”.
Lauren Fruen of the Sun claims that Atkinson was tasered outside of his father’s residence. At around three in the morning, he was pronounced dead despite having received medical assistance.
In response to the news, Aston Villa said:
Likewise, a few of his other previous clubs did:
Broadcasters, journalists, and former and current football players also showered their condolences:
Ron Atkinson, his previous manager at Wednesday and Villa, reportedly stated the following, via Graeme Brown of the Birmingham Mail:
This is blatantly tragic.
He was a very well-liked player among his teammates. He was a good boy, but occasionally too kind for his own good. He was a genuinely generous boy.
I truly enjoy it in a player, and he always had a smile on his face.
He was also incredibly talented. In important games, I always knew I didn’t have to worry about him.
Several people, including former Premier League player turned pundit Kevin Kilbane, opted to recall Atkinson’s incredible goal against Wimbledon in 1992, which BenchWarmers have posted here:
The goal was Premier League’s first-ever Match of the Day’s Goal of the Season.
Atkinson’s goal against Manchester United in the 1994 League Cup final, which Aston Villa won 3-1, was another highlight of his career.
