John Berylson, the owner of Millwall F.C. in England’s Championship league, died Wednesday in an car crash in Falmouth, Mass. He was 70 years old.
According to police in Massachusetts, Berylson lost control of his 2019 Range Rover on a curved road in the Cape Cod town. The vehicle then overturned and fell into a ravine with Berylson still trapped inside. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Berylson, an avid sports fan, took control of the South London club in 2006. Under his stewardship, Millwall—a club more widely known for its rowdy, passionate fans than any on-field accomplishments—climbed as high as eighth in the second-tier Championship in 2018, ’20 and ’23.
“John revelled in the club’s underdog status and mentality. He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters,” the club said in a statement. “He was fiercely loyal to all his staff, and both they and the fan base will miss him beyond measure.”
In New England, Berylson was well known as a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is survived by his wife, Amy, and three children: Jennifer, James and Elizabeth.
