Raheem Belgrave
(Picture: Wembley FC/Twitter)Non-league football club Wembley FC have paid tribute to their goalkeeper after he drowned while on vacation in Trinidad and Tobago.
Raheem Belgrave, 29, died after getting into difficulties in the Paria River in Banchisseuse on Sunday morning.
Reports claim that he was in an “unresponsive state” when horrified onlookers pulled him out of the water.
The semi-professional footballer signed for Wembley FC, who play in the Premier Division North, in 2018.
It is with terrible sadness that we bring news of Raheem “Birdie” Belgrave’s death.
— Wembley FC (@WembleyFC) January 17, 2022
We are shocked and saddened and send our condolences to his family and closest friends.
🦁🙏 pic.twitter.com/S8DswuxOzN
The club announced the horrific news on Twitter, writing: “It is with terrible sadness that we bring news of Raheem ‘Birdie’ Belgrave’s death.
“We are shocked and saddened and send our condolences to his family and closest friends.”
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association added: “The TTFA extends deepest condolences to the family of Raheem Belgrave who passed away on Sunday.
“Raheem was a member of the Men’s National U-17 squad in 2008-2009 under then head coach Anton Corneal. He was the son of former National Team manager David Muhammad. May he rest in peace.”
Fans and teammates took to social media to issue heartfelt tributes.
Former teammate Jaiden Babalola wrote: “Could not be a more worse start to 2022. Trying to stay positive.
“To a brother, friend, teammate. To our football training sessions, gym sessions, cycles around London and train journeys.”
A fan wrote: "Shocked & saddened to hear this, met him a few years back at a trial match, kept in touch...such a great young man. Heartbreaking news. My thoughts & prayers go to his family & friends."
Blanchisseuse is around 29 miles (46km) northeast of the island’s capital, Port of Spain.
