Clubs across the UK pay respect as ‘beloved’ Millwall owner John Berylson dies aged 70 in a ‘tragic accident’ on Tuesday morning.
The Championship side announced the sad death in an emotional statement on social media and turned their profile pictures to black and white in tribute.
A spokesman for Falmouth Police Department said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle, a 2019 Ranger Rover was travelling south on Sippewissett Rd when it lost control on a curve, and left the roadway.
“The vehicle rolled over into a ravine and came to rest against a tree.”
He was driving in Falmouth, Massachusetts when his Range Rover careered off the road. Picture credit – NBC 10 Boston.
The American businessman became involved with the club back in 2006, and became a significant shareholder in 2007 having led a consortium that invested in the team, who were a League One outfit at the time.
He was successor to Stewart Till as chairman and oversaw their two promotions to the second tier.
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) July 4, 2023
Some words from our manager. pic.twitter.com/FJ8FxUvAE2
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) July 5, 2023
CLUB STATEMENT:
It is with a collective broken heart and the deepest of regret that we announce the passing of our beloved owner and chairman, John Berylson.
John, who turned 70 last month, lost his life in a tragic accident on Tuesday morning, and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with his wife, Amy, his three children, Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth, and the rest of the Berylson family.
John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him. He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness. He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people.
Under John’s passionate leadership and guidance, Millwall Football Club has enjoyed tremendous success and stability. Since first becoming involved in the club in 2006, he has presided over some of the greatest moments in Millwall’s history, and his influence in providing the platform for those was immeasurable. John continued to speak eagerly about the new season and his vision for the future, and any success moving forward will be in his memory and honour. It will be his legacy.
John revelled in the club’s underdog status and mentality. He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters. He was fiercely loyal to all his staff, and both they and the fan base will miss him beyond measure.
For those who wish to pay their respects, a book of condolence, which will be shared with the Berylson family, will be opened at The Den from 11am on Wednesday 5th July. Those who cannot make it in person to The Den will be able to sign an online book of condolence, which will be available on millwallfc.co.uk in due course.
Rest in peace, John, and thank you. You were loved and adored.
The greatest owner a club could ever ask for, A millwall legend forever💙💙
RIP John Berylson💔 pic.twitter.com/wjvH5Te7X6— cc (@c_constable11) July 4, 2023
He was absolutely loved by the fans. Saved the club and brought us stability and success. I’m not sure how we honour this man, but you won’t be forgotten Mr Chairman. #JohnBerylson #Millwall
— BermondseyBoy 🇬🇧 (@LovelyGeezer65) July 5, 2023
For John. pic.twitter.com/1qKEgz38w8
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) July 5, 2023
Clubs, fans, players and staff all pay respect as the ‘beloved’ Millwall owner John Berylson dies aged 70 in a ‘tragic accident’…
@mfckit: Absolutely devastated, we met in 2006 07 when I drove you around Bermondsey. To that pressous hug you gave me on the last day of the season, thank you for everything you have done for my club. My condolences to all your family. Never to be forgotten 💙
@ZakWhitbread: My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. He has been an unwavering figure for the club for so many years now and that stability he had as a Chairman did so much for the club. A true family man who recently was proudly telling me of all his grandchildren. RIP Chairman
@29gazalex: Devastating News 💔 What a man what a chairman gutted is an understatement Rip John Berylson 🦁 Milllllllllllllllll what you done for our club nothing short of a Miracle thank you 🙏
@ChicagoAddick: Tragic news. He has been a brilliant owner that us Charlton fans can only sit and admire. Condolences to his family, friends and everyone connected to Millwall. RIP
@JaseMfc: Certain times in your life things happen and it’s hard to comprehend. Tonight is one of those nights – the outpouring on here is unbelievable and a show of how much this man was loved. Not often I’m taken aback – but tonight for sure has knocked me for six
@shaunywilliams6: Devastated to hear of the passing of John Berylson. Welcomed myself and my family with open arms to @MillwallFC. A true gentleman and legend who will never be forgotten, our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Amy and the Berylson family at this tragic time RIP Mr Chairman 🦁
@paulcarterMFC: It’s truly rare to find a chairman of a football club who embodies such honesty and dedication.This remarkable individual’s unwavering love for the club, being 100% Millwall through and through,made him a true legend. His legacy will undoubtedly be cherished and remembered by all
@SteveR29128994: JB joined when my boys were born. They’ve known no different. Best chairman we’ve had, probably the best we will ever have. He picked us where normally Millwall picks us and we will be forever grateful. Like losing a family member because we are family. RIP JB 🦁💔
@SE163LN_: Astonishing chairman, great man and achieved an unparalleled amount at Millwall. The club wouldn’t be what it is without his stewardship and leadership. A very sad day. His legacy is unmatched 💙
@andrewstevo39: R.I.P John.. sure we will give him a great standing ovation when we play our game at the Riverside. Thoughts and prayers with his family and Millwall as a whole.
@Gary89CAFC: RIP John. My thoughts are with you and your family during this tough time. You truly were a great owner who cared more for your club than many others. It’s a sad day for everyone who loved you. Millwall and football in general, have lost a great owner.
@_Jampot: Absolutely gutting news. Condolences to the Berylson family and his closest friends. What a sad sad day
@dneventslogist1: Wow , rivalry aside your owner was someone who really embraced and harnessed the supporters he made difficult decisions at the right times and made good and great decisions consistently. RIP and prayers and thoughts with his family and friends
@GeoffSuperman: Very saddened to hear of this terrible news. I have friends who are Millwall fans, very heartbreaking for everyone involved with the club from the players to the staff to the fans. John was clearly very loved. Rest in peace, from a Brighton fan.
@MFCBen081115: Absolute devastating. What a gentleman John was. Went out of his way to greet and speak to fans when he was at The Den for games. The best owner we’ve ever had bar none. R.I.P John and thank you for what you done for our club 💙🦁
@LAshworth91: Awful news. Thoughts with his family & everyone involved with Millwall. So close over a the last few years to the play offs as well, definitely given them stability. R.I.P
@CJ_WTE: This is devastating. The man is a hero to Lions fans. A fantastic man all-round by all accounts. Rest in peace, John. We will remember you as our best chairman of all time.
@DaveFromSkem: Absolutely awful news. Sympathy and condolences to his family, friends, and to all at Millwall FC. I could see from a distance you had a gem of a chairman there. Do it for him this coming season, Lions. On behalf of all at Wigan Athletic FC.
@Djstevemunster: Absolutely gutted what a good man he was and he has done wonders for our club, the players owe it to him amd get us next season, I am shocked he has gone R.I.P. John and thank you for your service to Millwall 🙏
@TrevChapmanNFFC: Thoughts with the family, friends and of course supporters of Millwall Football Club. Sending my deepest condolences to you all 💙
@lockie180: No only the best chairmen of Millwall, but the best any club could hope for. He did so much for our club and our fans. Massive loss to alll. RIP John, thank you for everything. You will never be forgotten. Once a Lion, always a lion 🦁
@OpulentCockney: Lost for words. My thoughts and prayers with the club and family at this time. Football rivalries put to one side with tragedies such as this
Everyone at West Ham United sends their deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all at @MillwallFC during this tragic time. ❤️
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 4, 2023
🤍 The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with John’s family and everyone connected to Millwall. Rest in peace
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 4, 2023
The thoughts of everyone at Reading Football Club are with the family and friends of John Berylson at this extremely difficult time.
We also send our sincere condolences to the staff and supporters of Millwall Football Club 💙
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) July 4, 2023
The EFL is shocked and saddened by the news and sends its deepest condolences to John’s family and everyone connected with Millwall 💙
— EFL (@EFL) July 4, 2023
Awful news. Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and all at Millwall at this terrible time 💙🧡
— Shrewsbury Town FC (@shrewsburytown) July 4, 2023
Everyone at Oxford United sends their deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all at @MillwallFC during this incredibly difficult time 💛
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) July 5, 2023
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with those at Millwall and the Berylson family ❤️
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) July 4, 2023
The thoughts of everyone at Nottingham Forest are with John’s family, friends and everyone connected with @MillwallFC at this difficult time.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) July 4, 2023
The thoughts of everyone at Chesterfield Football Club are with John’s family, friends and everyone connected with Millwall Football Club 💙
— Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) July 4, 2023
We are so sorry to hear this, our thoughts are with John’s loved ones and everyone associated with Millwall. Rest in Peace 🤍
— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) July 4, 2023
We send our thoughts as a club to John’s family, friends and everyone connected with Millwall at this incredibly sad time.
— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) July 4, 2023
Everyone at Blackburn Rovers sends our deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and everyone connected with @MillwallFC at this incredibly sad time.
Rest in peace, John 💙🤍
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) July 4, 2023
With many Millwall supporters within our club, everyone at Cray Valley PM FC is deeply saddened by this news.
We send our deepest condolences to John’s family, friends, and everyone connected with Millwall FC. 💙— Cray Valley PM FC (@CrayValleyPM) July 4, 2023
Everyone at Pompey sends their deepest condolences to John’s family and everyone connected with Millwall. 💙
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) July 4, 2023
Such tragic news. The thoughts of everyone at Bristol Rovers are with John’s family and friends during this difficult time. 💙
— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) July 4, 2023
Such awful, awful news. The thoughts of everyone at Aberdeen FC are with John’s family, friends and everyone at Millwall FC. RIP. ☹️
— Alan Burrows (@Alan_Burrows) July 4, 2023
Our thoughts go out to all those at Millwall as well as John’s family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.
Rest in peace. 💙
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 4, 2023
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