Crystal Palace pays tribute to fan who died of serious brain injury after being hit by a bus while celebrating the team’s victory over Leicester earlier this month
- Crystal Palace beat Leicester 2-1 at Selhurst Park earlier this month
- After that win, a fan was hit by a bus and killed while celebrating
- Palace has now paid tribute to lifelong Eagles fans following his death
Crystal Palace has paid tribute to a lifelong supporter after he tragically passed away while celebrating his team’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City earlier this month.
Liam Foley was in Brixton, south London, with his brother Niall when the incident occurred on April 1, shortly after Roy Hodgson’s side grabbed three valuable points at Selhurst Park.
Foley was taken to the hospital and placed on a ventilator for four days before being pronounced dead from severe brain damage.
Palace released a statement on Wednesday which read, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of lifelong fan, Liam Foley. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this extremely sad time.
“We understand that Liam’s girlfriend, Josephine, is running the London Marathon and is raising money in his memory – and we wish her all the best.”
This follows Griffiths paying her own personal tribute to Foley as her revealed that she will run Sunday’s race for the Brain and Spine Foundation.
She has dedicated her run to his memory and has asked the public to donate generously to a cause that has become even more important to her since her loss.
A Crystal Palace fan has died after being hit by a bus following their win over Leicester
Liam Foley died after being hit by a bus while celebrating an Eagles win on April 1
His girlfriend Josephine Griffiths will run the London Marathon in his memory
Writing FacebookGriffiths’ heartfelt message read, “To my Liam, there are no words to describe the pain I feel for not having you here by my side.” You weren’t just my boyfriend, you were my best friend, my soul mate, my person.
“With you by my side, you made me feel like I could achieve anything and anything was possible.
“Your passion for life was something else, the greatest yes man I knew. You really lived life to the fullest with a beer in one hand and me in the other.
“The love you showed me was unparalleled and I hope you felt I showed you that too. You have taught me so much in our time together and I consider myself so lucky to call you my boyfriend.
“I’ve always said you could never convert me into a Palace supporter, but here I am, their new biggest fan.
You are by my side in everything I do and I promise to make you proud, starting with the marathon in 2 weeks. With your incredible family and friends you loved so much by my side, I promise you don’t have to worry about me.
“I’m not ready yet and don’t think I’ll ever be ready to say goodbye, so for now it’s a goodbye.
Thank you for the memories, laughter, pints and endless love. Rest in peace my dear.’
The incident took place outside Brixton tube station in the wee hours of April 1
The Crystal Palace HLTCO podcast too placed their support to Josephine ahead of her race, as she explains how the club wants to honor Foley ahead of their next home game against Everton on Saturday.
“As you can no doubt imagine, the past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for Liam’s family and friends,” they wrote.
“Liam was a really passionate and dedicated Palace fan, he had had a season ticket for 20 years.
Liam’s friend Jo is running the London Marathon next week to raise money for the Brain and Spine Foundation, a charity that, sadly, now means even more to all who loved Liam.
“The club have been in touch with his family and will put a picture of Liam on the program and on the big screen for our home game against Everton next weekend, but may I ask you to visit Jo’s JustGiving page and consider giving him a donation.
“I’m sure you’ll agree that Jo deserves endless admiration for running the marathon given what she’s had to endure over the past 2 weeks. RIP Liam Foley.”
You can donate to Josephine Griffiths’ donation page by clicking here