Millwall football club owner John Berylson died after his Range Rover careered off the road into a ravine.
The much-loved chairman of the Championship side lost control of his vehicle around 8am on Tuesday as he prepared to celebrate July 4. After leaving the road, his Range Rover careered down a steep slope before smashing into a tree. No other vehicles were involved.
Police in Falmouth, Massachusetts, confirmed to the Mirror Mr Berylson, 70, was the victim of a “single car rollover”. Firefighters who attended the accident managed to cut the millionaire free from the wreckage using ‘jaws of life’ pneumatic cutters, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of Mr Berylson’s death is now under investigation. He is survived by his wife Amy and children Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth.
Mr Berylson was an American businessman who became involved at Millwall in 2006. In that time, the south east London club have twice won promotion to the Championship, the last of those coming in 2017.
A club statement read: “John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him. “He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness.
“He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people.
“Under John’s passionate leadership and guidance, Millwall Football Club has enjoyed tremendous success and stability.
“John revelled in the club’s underdog status and mentality. He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters. He was fiercely loyal to all his staff, and both they and the fan base will miss him beyond measure.”
Millwall finished eighth in last season’s Championship and will again compete in the English second tier in 2023-24.
The club added that a book of condolences that will be shared with Mr Berylson’s family will be available for supporters to sign at The Den from Wednesday.
Boss Gary Rowett has paid a heartfelt tribute to John Berylson after the death of the club’s “incredible” chairman.
Millwall, who have done so much positive work under Berylson to improve its reputation on the pitch and in the community, have opened an online book of condolences for supporters to sign.
Rowett said: “I’ve never heard anyone speak a bad word about John and that sums up what an amazing individual he was. The first thing that strikes me is that I remember many conversations about matches, players and whatever was needed to move things on.
“He was incredible. To witness someone that spoke with so much passion about the club, about the passion with the way he’d want to move forward. He’d ring me after games and during the week and John’s biggest skill would be to try and make you feel better or if you’d lost or whatever.
“To have that compassion and that’s why it’s difficult to comprehend Millwall without Berylson because he was such a tremendous owner and chairman.”
Current players and former Millwall stars have also paid glowing tributes to one of the most respected owners in the EFL.
