Tributes paid to 19 year old footballer in emotional club statement with thousands raised

Tributes have been paid to 19 year old footballer Tristan O’Keefe in an emotional club statement with thousands raised on GoFundMe.

Tristan, a key player for Pontnewynydd AFC, passed away on June 11, 2025, leaving his family, friends, club, and supporters in shock.

Having played over 100 games, he played a huge part in the club’s undefeated league campaign, securing promotion to the Gwent Premier League.

In tribute, they are retiring his number 3 jersey, which will be framed and displayed in the changing rooms to honour his legacy.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Tristan’s family with funeral costs, so far raising more than £5,800. You can donate by clicking HERE.

A statement from Pontnewynydd AFC reads: “💔 Forever 19, Forever Our Number 3 💔

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of our own — Tristan O’Keefe.

“Tristan wasn’t just a talented footballer — he was a bright light in our club, a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him. Loved by his teammates, respected by his coaches, and cherished by all at Pontnewynydd AFC, Tristan was an integral part of our unforgettable undefeated league campaign — a journey that led us to promotion to the Gwent Premier League. His presence was felt in every game, every training session, and every moment off the pitch.

“As a mark of our deepest respect and in loving memory of Tristan, we are retiring the number 3 shirt, the number he proudly wore for this club. His jersey will be framed and placed permanently in our changing rooms — a symbol of the incredible impact he made and a reminder that he will always be with us, in spirit and in heart.

“Our entire club is grieving. No words can express the pain we feel or the loss suffered by those closest to Tristan. To his family and friends, we extend our deepest condolences and our unwavering support during this heartbreaking time.

“We will never forget you, Tristan.

“You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC. 💙

“Forever 19. Forever our Number 3.”

They added: “🕊️ Help Give Tristan the Send-Off He Deserves 🕊️

“On 11/06/2025, our world was shattered as we lost Tristan O’Keefe — a kind, talented, and deeply loved 19-year-old son, brother, teammate, and friend. His life was filled with promise, joy, and love — and his absence has left an unimaginable void.

“Tristan brought light to every room, strength to every game, and warmth to every heart. He was loved deeply — by his family, his friends, and all of us at Pontnewynydd AFC.

“As his family faces the heartbreak no one should have to endure, we want to come together as a community to support them. A GoFundMe page has been created to help ease the financial burden of funeral costs and allow Tristan’s loved ones to give him the beautiful farewell he truly deserves.

“No contribution is too small — and if you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this message will mean the world.

“Let’s stand together for Tristan. Let’s honour his memory with love and support.”

Terry Leonard, a coach at Pontnewyndd AFC who trained Tristan for a number of years, said: “He has left a lot of blood, sweat, and tears on this field. He has always given me 100% whenever he wore the jersey. I feel very privileged to have been a big part of his life and can only wish I could have done more.”

A vigil with over 400 mourners was held for Tristan at Lasgarn Pitch where he often played. At the event hundreds of balloons were released into the sky with dozens of people turning up to pay their respects.

A statement on the GoFundMe set up for Tristan’s family read: “Help Give Tristan the Send-Off He Deserves

“On 11/06/2025, we tragically lost Tristan—a beloved son, brother, and friend. At just 19 years old, Tristan’s life was full of promise, laughter, and love. His passing has left an indescribable void in the hearts of his wonderful mum, his beautiful sisters, and all who knew him.

“As his family navigates this heartbreaking time, we want to come together to give Tristan the farewell he deserves. Funeral costs can be overwhelming, and we humbly ask for your support to ease the financial burden. Any contribution, big or small, will mean the world.

“If you are unable to donate, sharing this page with others would be deeply appreciated. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for keeping Tristan’s memory alive.”

Tributes continue to be paid to the 19 year old footballer in the emotional club statement, comments section and several other heartfelt posts, with thousands raised on the GoFundMe page…

Lisa Fitzgerald: You was like a dad to him Terr he looked up to you and you took him on as your own . He was a big part of footy and we watched him play for yrs and all the tours we went on with him the barbeques the bonding he made with all our boys the tantrums but he was such a polite lovely boy that never deserved this . Thinking of you Terry as I know how much he meant to you 💙

Matthew Arnold: Beutiful words Ter, me and my family will be there, rest easy Tristan and all our love to Gemma and all the family xxx

Gareth – GW Away Days: Awful news. Thoughts are with Tristans family and friends at this sad time. A lovely gesture from the club to honour his memory.

Kelly Jennings: So heartbreaking 💔 😢 what a lush gesture to do in his memory 💙💙xxx

Mylee Okeefe: cant belive my brother has gone 💔🥹

Lucas Hoare: Sorry for you loss mate always here if you need anything

Gareth Joanne Lewis: Fabulous how the community has come together .. how loved was this boy .. loads by the seems.. I know nothing will take away the pain that his mother sisters and family are feeling but I hope they look at this and know how loved and thought of he was .. and I don’t know of him like most but feel as a mother as Gemma would feel 💔 heartbroken… Nowt will replace that but you got all of a community behind you hun .. so sorry what your going through xx

Paula Greenman: My heart goes out to everyone who knew this young lad, may he rest in peace

Gwyn Chappell: Devastating… my thoughts are with you all. 💜 xx

Kellie Fisher: Rip Tristan love and thoughts with all the family X