Leyton Orient name fan who died from suspected cardiac arrest at their match as 74-year-old Derek Reynolds, who lived just a street away from their stadium
Derek #Derek
Leyton Orient have named the fan that passed away after a medical emergency at their Tuesday evening clash with Lincoln City as Derek Reynolds.
With the Os 1-0 up against the Imps after a 10th-minute strike from Joe Pigott, the game was called to a halt at around 9.30pm with the match clock at 84 minutes.
Fans had taken to the field in order to draw attention to the fact that a fan in the stands was in need of medical attention, and the game was at last suspended after around an hour.
Medics had reached Reynolds within approximately four minutes of being called, but were ultimately unable to save the 74-year-old’s life, as Reynolds’ death was later announced.
Leyton Orient – currently 14th in League One – paid tribute to the lifelong club supporter with a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
Leyton Orient have named the fan who passed away as 74-year-old Derek Reynolds
Reynolds had been a life-long Leyton Orient supporter and lived just one street away from the ground
‘Leyton Orient Football Club is devastated to confirm that supporter Derek Reynolds has passed away,’ it read.
‘Derek was a life-long O’s supporter and he lived in Osbourne Road, a short walk from the ground for many years. As well as being a lifelong fan, Derek was heavily involved in the club and managed the club’s tannoy system during the 1990s.
‘The club will be paying tribute to Derek at Saturday’s home fixture against Reading and his family have been invited to the game as guests of the club.
‘A book of condolence will be available for supporters in the East Stand to sign on Saturday and it will then be available for all fans in West Stand reception thereafter.’
The League Two champions also added their appreciation for those fans that sought to call off the game despite the ongoing medical emergency in the crowd, with referee Stephen Martin not pausing proceedings immediately.
Manager Richie Wellens could be seen marching across the pitch to remove supporters, who were sat in and around the goalkeeper’s penalty area on the night to bring attention to Reynolds’ plight.
‘We would, once again, like to thank Derek’s fellow supporters for the way in which they conducted themselves on Tuesday night and acted to try and help the situation,’ the London outfit added.
Security members and steward received backlash for appearing to try and move those supporters, during their sit-in protest.
Fans took to the field to pause the game after realising there was a medical emergency in the stands
Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens was seen directing the fourth official towards Reynolds
The London Ambulance Service related events to The Independent after being called to the scene to attend to Reynolds: ‘We were called yesterday at 9:28pm to reports of a person becoming unwell at Leyton Orient Football Club, on Brisbane Road.
‘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.’
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