Leyton Orient Football Club has paid a heartfelt tribute to supporter Derek Reynolds, who tragically passed away after falling unwell during the League One match against Lincoln on Tuesday night.
The match, a League One fixture, was abandoned in the 82nd minute due to a medical emergency involving Reynolds in the stands. Concerned fans entered the pitch to get the attention of referee Stephen Martin, alerting him to the situation in the East Stand.
After a brief continuation of the game for less than a minute, approximately 20 fans gathered on the pitch at the home end to further draw attention to the ongoing medical emergency, leading to the suspension of the match.
Paramedics were seen providing CPR on the side of the pitch, and the referee subsequently decided to take the teams off the field. The game was abandoned one hour after the initial interruption, with medical teams continuing to provide assistance to the patient as fans left the stadium.
At the time of the stoppage, Leyton Orient announced via Twitter that the game was paused due to a crowd emergency and expressed concern for those involved, promising further updates when available.
The club later stated that the match would not resume, emphasizing the ongoing medical emergency’s seriousness and expressing their sympathy for the affected supporter and his loved ones.
On the following Wednesday, Leyton Orient announced plans to pay tribute to Derek Reynolds during their upcoming home game against Reading. The club will invite his family as guests, and a book of condolence will be provided for supporters to sign in the East Stand on Saturday.
Subsequently, it will be available for all fans in the West Stand reception.
A club statement shared the heartbreaking news of Derek’s passing and detailed his strong connection to Leyton Orient. Derek, aged 74, fell unwell during Tuesday evening’s match and, despite the best efforts of fellow supporters, medical professionals, and emergency services, he sadly lost his life.
Derek had been a lifelong O’s supporter and had lived close to Brisbane Road for many years. In addition to being a devoted fan, he had actively contributed to the club, managing the tannoy system during the 1990s.
The club expressed its deep sorrow at his passing and extended gratitude to fellow supporters for their response on Tuesday night in trying to assist in the emergency situation.