74-year-old Fan Dies at Leyton Orient v Lincoln City Match
A tragic event at Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road ground on October 3 occurred when lifelong supporter of 'the O’s', Mr Derek Reynolds, took ill and sadly passed away during the football match against Lincoln City.
The 74-year-old, who also resided within walking distance of the ground in Osbourne Road, dedicated much of his life to Leyton Orient. Derek had even managed the club's tannoy system throughout the 1990s.
Supporters and Paramedics Come Together
Out of concern for Mr Reynolds' deteriorating health, fans rushed the pitch, momentarily halting the game and resulting in players returning to their changing rooms. The club's on-site medics, along with fellow supporters and professionals from the London Ambulance Service and Lincoln City, desperately attempted to aid Mr Reynolds, but their lifesaving efforts proved unsuccessful.
Club Mourns Part of Its History
The club publicly acknowledged the loss of their fellow O's supporter, expressing gratitude toward those who conducted themselves with selflessness and empathy during the tragic event. To commemorate Derek's life, a tribute will be held at the following home match against Reading.
A book of condolence for supporters to sign will also be available from Saturday in the East Stand and will move to West Stand reception afterwards.
"The thoughts of everyone connected with Lincoln City are with the family of the Leyton Orient supporter Derek Reynolds who passed away during Tuesday night’s game at Brisbane Road. Derek, 74, was a lifelong Orient fan who lived nearby and was heavily involved in the club during the 1990s."
A statement from a spokesperson for the London Ambulance service confirmed: "We sent a number of resources to the scene, including an incident response officer, two medics in fast-response cars and an ambulance crew. Our first medic arrived in approximately four minutes. We treated a man at the scene, but very sadly, despite our teams’ best efforts, he was later pronounced dead."
The English Football League will make a decision regarding the rescheduling of the match or standing of the current result in due course.