Footballer Samuel Wilson Killed by Van in Ilkeston, Accused Driver Zac Newman Arrested
Samuel Wilson, a 26-year-old footballer who played for Ilkeston Town FC, was killed in a horrific van incident on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The accident occurred on Market Place, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, just after 2 a.m., when a van drove into a group of people. Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene, while two other men were taken to hospital with injuries. A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
Wilson, who was known as Sam or Willow to his friends, was a talented and popular player who had joined Ilkeston Town FC in 2022. He had previously played for Derby County Academy, Long Eaton United FC, and Belper Town FC. He was also a devoted father to his two-year-old son, Leo.
Wilson’s death has shocked and saddened the footballer community, who have paid tribute to him on social media and at various matches. His family, friends, teammates, and fans have described him as a funny, kind, and generous person who loved football and life.
Details of the Incident
According to the Derbyshire Constabulary, the incident happened on Market Place, Ilkeston, at around 2.05 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023. A van, which was reported stolen earlier that night, drove into a group of people who were outside a pub. The van then crashed into a building and caught fire.
A man has been charged with murder after a van struck a group of people.
— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) December 18, 2023
Samuel Wilson (pic) and two others were hit by the vehicle in Market Place, Ilkeston, Derbyshire
Zac Newman, 27, of Nottinghamshire has been charged with murder & also charged with wounding with intent… pic.twitter.com/fO3Nki8Hlp
Wilson was among the group of people who were hit by the van. He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Two other men, aged 25 and 26, were also injured and taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham for treatment. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The driver named Zac Newman of the van fled the scene on foot, but was later arrested by the police. He is a 27-year-old man from Ilkeston, who is currently being held on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, causing death by dangerous driving, and aggravated vehicle taking. He has not been formally charged yet.
The police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward and contact them on 101, quoting reference number 21000686751. They have also thanked the public for their cooperation and support.
Tributes to Footballer Samuel Wilson
Samuel Wilson’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences from the footballer community, who have remembered him as a talented and beloved player and person. Here are some of the tributes that have been paid to him:
“We’ve not just lost a player, we’ve lost a friend, a brother, a son, a boyfriend and all round one of life’s good guys”
— BBC Radio Derby (@BBCDerby) December 18, 2023
Tributes have been paid to 26-year-old Samuel Wilson who lost his life in Ilkeston on Saturday after a van drove into a group of people… pic.twitter.com/iwkaYa4imV
Trivia And Facts
- Wilson was born on June 15, 1997, in Derby, England.
- He started playing football at the age of six, joining the Derby County Academy.
- He left the academy at the age of 18 and joined Long Eaton United FC in 2018.
- Samuel won the treble with Long Eaton United FC in 2019, lifting the Midland Football League Premier Division title, the League Cup, and the Derbyshire Senior Cup.
- He moved to Belper Town FC in 2019, and helped them reach the play-offs in 2020 and 2021.
- He signed for Ilkeston Town FC in 2021 and became a fan favorite with his goals and assists.
- Samuel Wilson had a two-year-old son, Leo, with his partner, Chloe.
- He was a devout Muslim, who prayed five times a day and fasted during Ramadan.
- He was a fan of Liverpool FC, and idolized Mohamed Salah.
- Wilson had a tattoo of a lion on his chest, symbolizing his strength and courage.
