Lifelong Leyton Orient fan dies following medical emergency during game

The man was at Brisbane Road when he suffered a medical emergency

A lifelong Leyton Orient fan has died following a medical emergency during a game at Brisbane Road Stadium.

Derek Reynolds, 74, was treated by medics in the East Stand during the second half of last night’s League One match against Lincoln City.

Medics were on the scene around four minutes after being called.

Home fans sat in the penalty area to get the game stopped while the 74-year-old was treated.

The fixture was completely abandoned almost an hour later – 82 minutes into the game.

Emergency services have confirmed that despite their best efforts, the supporter later died.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called yesterday (3 October) 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.”

Leyton Orient FC 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.

The Club have released this statement: “Football Club is devastated to confirm that supporter Derek Reynolds has passed away.

“Derek, 74, became unwell at Brisbane Road during Tuesday evening’s league fixture against Lincoln City.

“Despite the best efforts of Derek’s fellow supporters and medical professionals from the club’s on-site paramedics and doctors, Lincoln City and the London Ambulance Service, he sadly lost his life.

“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.”

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 club said: “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.

“If you were in attendance at Brisbane Road on Tuesday evening and were affected by the events, you can contact the helpline at MIND for support on 0300 123 3393.”

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