It has been a dark week for West Ham as tragedy hit the club with the sad news that a young academy star has passed away.
Michail Antonio’s lucky escape from a horrific car crash put football into perspective last weekend.
It also showed the beauty of football as the great and the good rallied around West Ham.
Tonight the Hammers have announced the absolutely devastating news that young star Oscar Fairs has died.
West Ham Under 15 Academy goalkeeper Oscar has been fighting against a rare brain cancer.
Oscar had been at the club since the age of six and was a lifelong Hammers fan and season ticket holder.
The young starlet dreamed of reaching the West Ham first team and playing for his beloved Hammers one day.
Oscar’s family had set up a GoFundMe page to pay towards treatment in a bid to save his young life.
Football fans across the country had been donating to the cause since it was highlighted on social media.
Former West Ham captain Declan Rice showed his absolute class by donating £5,000 to the fund while Hammers majority owner David Sullivan gave £10,000.
But Oscar sadly and cruelly lost his brave battle.
West Ham’s first team held a silence in tribute to Oscar in training ahead of the game against Bournemouth.
The Hammers announced the news about the youngster’s passing with an emotional message from sporting director Mark Noble.
Noble said Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy.
“Not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him,” Noble said.
“I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – Lenny (Noble) and his teammates all loved him. He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age.”
Now from the Premier League to Sebastien Haller, Patrice Evra and Valencia, tributes are pouring in after the death of the young West Ham star.
Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen posted the announcement on his Instagram Stories alongside praying hands and hearts.
Carlos Soler and Vladimir Coufal posted ‘Rest in peace, Oscar’ on the respective Instagram and X announcements.
Former Hammers Anton Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, Harrison Ashby, Aji Alese, Marcus Browne, Dan Chesters and Darren Randolph posted emojis in tribute on the club’s Instagram post.
Premier League great Shay Given sent his prayers.
Ex West Ham defender Patrice Evra said: “This is really sad Hammers.”
Man United sensation Chido Obi-Martin shared his love.
So too did former West Ham striker Haller, who has been through his own cancer ordeal.
Roberta Moore, the daughter of West Ham and England’s most legendary player Bobby Moore, also paid tribute.
When West Ham lost Moore far too soon to the disease, Roberta tragically lost her dad too. She said: “I’m so very sorry, my thoughts and love to his family and friends.”
Arsenal responded to West Ham’s post about Oscar’s passing, saying: “The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with Oscar’s family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Oscar.”
West Ham Academy boss Kenny Brown said: “Hardest day as an Academy Manager. We’ve lost an absolute star.
“A fantastic team mate, Oscar consistently displayed all the core values of a true West Ham United player.
“Thoughts and prayers are with Natalie, Russ and Harry at this sad time.”
Spanish side Valencia were gearing up to play their away game at Valladolid.
But they still took time out to send their wishes to West Ham and Oscar’s loved ones.
“Our hearts go out to his family and friends and everyone at West Ham. R.I.P.”
West Ham’s arch rivals Millwall showed true class with a tribute.
Crystal Palace, Fulham, Brighton, Premier League champions Man City and the Premier League themselves also posted condolences.
“Everyone at Millwall sends their condolences to Oscar’s family, friends and everyone at West Ham. Rest in peace, Oscar,” the Lions said.
“The thoughts of everyone at Crystal Palace are with Oscar’s family, friends and everyone at West Ham during this sad time,” Palace stated.
“Sending our deepest condolences to Oscar’s family, friends and all those involved at West Ham United at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Oscar,” Man City said.
“The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of Oscar’s passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and everybody at West Ham United,” the Premier League added.
As a mark of respect, West Ham have announced all scheduled Academy fixtures this weekend have been postponed, including the PL2 Under-21 match against Stoke City on Friday night.
The club are also planning to pay special tribute to Oscar and have vowed his name will ‘never forgotten at West Ham United’.
Oscar Fairs is survived by his parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry.
Rest in peace Oscar Fairs.
Once a Hammer, always a Hammer.
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