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Father of West Ham star dies on his way to Spurs match
Terry Kirby25.08.09
A second West Ham football star has been hit by tragedy, it was disclosed today.
The father of midfielder Jack Collison, 20, died in a motorcycle accident while riding to see his son play against Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, defender Calum Davenport is recovering from a second emergency operation yesterday after being stabbed at his home.
Ian Collison, 46, a roofer, died after crashing on the M25 near Epping just before noon on Sunday. His son played 89 minutes of the match, which kicked off at 1.30pm, unaware of his father's death. West Ham lost 1-2. The player was told later in the evening.
A West Ham spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with Jack and his family and we ask people to respect his privacy at a very difficult time for them.''
Davenport, 26, was said to be stable after the second operation, aimed at repairing an artery in his leg. It is not known whether he will play again.
His mother, Kim, 49, who was also injured in the attack, was also said to be stable.
Worrell Whitehurst, 25, from Derby, the boyfriend of Davenport's sister, Cara, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Reader views (15)
condolences from a Man United fan. Jack will be the next Welsh legend like Rush and Giggsy
- Jim, Salford
Oh my God, what terrible news. I worked with Ian Collison for four years and knew him well. Indeed, as our surnames are similar everyone used to assume we were brothers or somehow related. He was so proud of his son and when he was first approached by West Ham Ian would tell everyone. Since then I've watched Jack's progress and have been pleased for Ian and Jack, and when I read the news in the paper today I was thoroughly shocked. Condolances, thoughts and sincere best wishes to Jack and all of Ian's family.
Rest in Peace.
- Mark Collinson, Daventry, UK.
Deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family - you did great playing yesterday and your dad be proud - take care from DOC spurs supporter
- Daith Oc, Ireland
My sincere condolences go out to Jack and his family. Jack will go on to be a great player and do his dad proud.
Best wishes
James a Spurs fan
- James, Essex
Sad, sad news
Sincere condolences.
Dee Spurs.
- Dee, London UK
Such a tragedy for such a young person to deal with my thoughts are with you and your family and also i hope Calum Davenport makes a speedy recovery my thoughts are with you and your mother.
Lesley - Chelsea fan - Wellingborough
- Lesley, Wellingborough, England
very very sad
he must have been such a proud dad
- Arsenalbob, studham,england
Im sorry to hear of your lost, im sure your father wants you to become a top player...
From another Spurs Fan, sincere condolences
- Adrian, london
Thoughts and prayers are with Jack and his family on his sad loss, from a devoted Westham fan in the Midlands
- Angela Taylor, Walsall England
What a tragedy - I was caught up in the traffic jam behind the accident and can only send deepest sympathy to the whole family. From an Arsenal fan.
- Pat, Barnet
Sad news, my condolences and best wishes to Jack and his family.
I can think of no better men to manage a young player through a difficult time than GianFranco Zola and Steve Clarke.
Come back soon Jack, your old-man clearly was and will always be proud of you.
A Chelsea fan.
- Fresh, London
My thoughts go out to Jack and the family at this very difficult time.
Spurs Fan.
- Phil, Raynes Park
sincere condolences from a Chelsea fan, awful tragedy...
- Richard, London, England
Think Jack Collinson will develop into one of the best midfielders in the premier league, can't imagine what he and his family are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
- Chris, Kent
Incredibly sad for Jack and his family. This on the back of the Davenports traumatic experience;
From a Spurs fan I honestly pass on my best wishes.
- Toddspurs, Bournemouth. England
