A devastated dad has told of his unending grief after his "legend" son died suddenly during a football match in Nottingham. Tubman Akwasi said the death of his 13-year-old son Samuel Akwasi is a pain that he has to face everyday.
Samuel was playing for FC Cavaliers U13s against WBCY FC Rossoneri, and had scored the first goal of the match before collapsing on the pitch on May 7 at around noon at the Forest Recreation Ground.
Dvarne Edwards, a sports assistant at the Forest Sports Zone, a separate sports facility at The Forest with artificial pitches, said he "ran over straight away" after he saw the boy collapsed on the grass, near a tree. Mr Edwards explained the boy received treatment and that an ambulance arrived within minutes.
READ MORE: Samuel Akwasi's coach opens up on 'feeling guilty' after teenager died on pitch
Despite all the efforts, Samuel tragically died. He leaves behind his parents, two older siblings and a football team which "loved and respected him".
Mr Akwasi, who says that his "life will never be the same without Samuel", added: "He was very talented. He was a legend, our legend."
Samuel's biggest dream was to become a footballer and play for Nottingham Forest one day, his dad recalled. "When Nottingham Forest won at Wembley I cried. He wanted to play for them one day.
"It is a tragedy that we are facing at the moment as a family. I am heartbroken."
The grieving dad added: "It is a lifetime grief and loss. It is not just a day, it is forever."
Samuel's funeral will take place at the Baptist Church on Gregory Boulevard on June 29 at 10am. It will then be followed by a brief lying in state at Forest Fields Recreation Ground at 11am before proceeding to the Highwood Cemetery in Bulwell at 12pm.
Mr Akwasi added: "It is an African tradition that parents should never bury their children so we will not attend at the cemetery. He was a very loved child."
Samuel's coach Everton Richards, 64, passed on his condolences to the family, adding that "everyone in the team has been grieving". He added: "The funeral is going to be difficult to everyone. I will play my part and be there for Samuel and his family."
