Tributes have been paid after the sad passing of former England footballer and Dirty Hit record label co-founder, Ugo Ehiogu.
Aged just 44, Ehiogu is believed to have died after collapsing from a heart attack at the Tottenham Hotspur training ground, where he was coach of the under 23’s team. He was taken to hospital yesterday and died this morning.
As well as his successful and celebrated football career playing for Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion, Leeds United, Sheffield United, Rangers and the England National Team, he also helped to found the record label Dirty Hit in 2009 with Jamie Oborne and Brian Smith. He was an original investor, and would remain a silent partner. Dirty Hit would go on to sign the likes of Wolf Alice, The 1975, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, The Japanese House, Pale Waves, Marika Hackman and more.
Oborne paid tribute, writing on Twitter: “Gutted to hear that my friend Ugo has tragically passed away. I will always treasure the memories of our chats about love, life, hopes and dreams. Feel very blessed to have had you in my life, love to Gemma and the little man. Such a sad day.”
— Jamie Oborne (@jamieoborne) April 21, 2017
Others from the world of music and football have also paid tribute:
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Ugo Ehiogu, our Under-23 coach. pic.twitter.com/sSU0yqVfyk
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 21, 2017
Everyone at United is saddened to learn of the tragic death of Ugo Ehiogu. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/eV8l5lgHLl
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 21, 2017
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Spurs #PL2 coach Ugo Ehiogu has sadly passed away at the age of 44: https://t.co/vJzUQlC5Mx pic.twitter.com/58eukDW9g8
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 21, 2017
Rangers Football Club is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former defender Ugo Ehiogu: https://t.co/PETGbYohOU pic.twitter.com/b5sqJP2DyR
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 21, 2017
Just seen the Ugo Ehiogu news. Shocked and saddened. To think he was on the training ground yesterday. Thoughts are with his loved ones.
— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 21, 2017
Gutted/devastated to hear the news that me pal Ugo Ehiogu has died. 44 years of age so sad. RIP pic.twitter.com/65AMYggVBA
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) April 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/jamesjammcmahon/status/855340668151005184
People have also been sharing Ehiogu’s final Tweet, in which he spoke of ‘random impulsive’ act of kindness in giving a homeless girl £10.
Gave a homeless girl £10 last night in Dalston.She didn't ask or beg.Random impulsive act from me. Not gona lie. Felt good. #dosomethingkind
— Ugo Ehiogu (@UgoEhiogu) March 29, 2017