Football star's tragic loss just three months after wedding
English football star Josh Vickers has shared the heartbreaking news that his wife Laura has passed away, just three months after their wedding.
The Derby County goalkeeper, 27, took to Instagram on Sunday to share an emotional tribute to his late wife, with a bittersweet photo of the couple on their wedding day on June 1.
"I have written and unwritten this so many times and still can't find the right words to say and don't know if I ever will," Vickers began his tribute.
"On Tuesday evening my wife lost her long battle against cancer."
"Laura is the strongest, bravest and most loving person I have ever met.
"Even though everything she was going through, she continued to smile, never letting anything get in the way of having a good time and making a lifetime of memories," he continued.
"I will cherish every moment we spent together from the first time we met to the moment you peacefully passed.
"I know that you will be looking down on me and continuing to inspire me every day."
He then thanked everyone who has supported him through the "incredibly difficult" time and praised his friends and family for being by his side.
"I Love You Always & Forever 🤍" he concluded the heart-wrenching tribute to his wife.
Friends and fans took to the comments to share their support for the grieving goalkeeper.
Teammate and Derby forward Martyn Waghorn wrote: "We're all with you mate."
"We’re all thinking of you, Josh," Arsenal's official Instagram page added.
A few other team members and football players sent their love with a bunch of red heart emojis.
"So very sorry to the loss of such a bright star - what a true inspiration she was , thinking of you, family and her friends ❤️" wrote one fan.
"Thoughts are with you and with the family," wrote another.
Although details of Laura's death and battle with cancer are not fully known, Vickers has previously shared how proud he was of his partner for undergoing chemo in 2019.
"I'm so proud of you!!!! 8 chemo sessions done and stage 1 completed," he captioned the collage of photos including one of Laura graduating, and another of her undergoing treatment.
"These last 6/7 months have been far from ideal, but with everything you have been through, you have continued to smile and inspire me every single day," he added.
The Derby team have shared their support for their fellow teammate by holding his "Vickers 31" shirt during a match against Carlisle yesterday, after the goalkeeper was absent from the game for personal reasons.
Image: Instagram