John Berylson, the American owner and chairman of south London’s Millwall football club, tragically died in a car crash on Tuesday, according to local authorities.
Officers in Falmouth, Mass., say Berylson’s Range Rover was discovered overturned and resting against a tree early in the early morning hours of July 4.
Despite efforts to remove him from the vehicle, Berylson “succumbed to injuries” and was pronounced dead at the crash site, reports NBC News.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Berylson lost control of the vehicle on a bend along Sippewissett Road, resulting in the car rolling over into a ravine. No other individuals were reportedly involved in the incident.
Millwall football club announced Berylson’s passing on Tuesday evening, in a statement posted to its website.
“John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him,” the statement said. “He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness.”
The 70-year-old American became involved with the team in 2006, and “presided over some of the greatest moments” in its history, the statement added.
The team’s CEO, Steve Kavanagh, penned his own heartfelt tribute on the team website, in which he described Berylson as “both extraordinary and exemplary.”
“John’s endless passion for Millwall was infectious,” Kavanagh added. “He was so incredibly dedicated to the club and year after year showed remarkable energy and drive to keep us progressing on and off the pitch.”
John Berylson is survived by his spouse and three children and leaves behind a lasting legacy with the Millwall football club.
The team currently competes in the Championship League and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot on the final day of last season, finishing in eighth place.
