Chris Bart-Williams, the former midfielder of Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest passed away at the age of 49.

The sad news was confirmed by Sheffield Wednesday, stating that he died in the US, where he was serving as a mentor and coach.

During this difficult time, both clubs, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, are also coping with the loss of another former player, Trevor Francis, who passed away at the age of 69.

A statement from the Owls said: “Bart-Williams’ untimely passing mirrors that of his manager at Hillsborough Trevor Francis, who also died on this, one of the darkest days in our long history.

“Our thoughts are with Chris’ and Trevor’s families and friends at this devastating time.”

Chris Bart-Williams, originally from Sierra Leone, started his football journey as a trainee at Leyton Orient.

He went on to have an impressive career, making over 150 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, where he played in the Premier League as a teenager. In July 1995, he secured a £2.5 million move to Nottingham Forest, where he played 248 games.

After his playing career, Bart-Williams transitioned into coaching and moved to the US. Initially, he worked in women's college football and later became the owner and chief executive officer of CBW Soccer Elite, a US College Soccer recruiting agency.

He described himself as a "coach, college recruiter, former footballer" on his social media accounts and was dedicated to working with college-bound players.

His LinkedIn profile reads: “As a retired athlete with 35 years of international playing and coaching experience, I’m passionate about developing young adults into highly successful soccer players.

“My goal is to empower kids to have the confidence and technical ability to excel in soccer while learning valuable lessons in responsibility and teamwork that will prepare them for a lifetime of success.

"Everything I do is designed to maximize athletes’ unique potential and propel them to their personal best in soccer and in life.”

In February last year, Florida-based Dade County announced Bart-Williams had been appointed as head coach to oversee all football programmes.

News of his death was greeted with shock by former team-mate Mark Crossley.

The goalkeeper, who played with Bart-Williams at Forest, tweeted: “Devastating and I’m so upset to hear the news of Trevor Francis passing and my former team-mate Chris Bart Williams.

"Both so young, it is so sad. RIP Trevor and Chris.”

Ipswich also offered their condolences. They posted: “The club is saddened to learn of the passing of former player Chris Bart-Williams.

"Once a Blue, always a Blue.”