Jack Grealish helps pay for funeral costs after tragic death of 29-year-old Aston Villa fan

Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish is helping pay for the funeral costs of Aston Villa fan, Shawn Francis, who died suddenly this weekend.

The 29-year-old lifelong Villa fan and season ticket holder was sadly found dead on Saturday, 29 April. His cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Tragically, Francis was set to become a father for the first time this summer and a GoFundMe has now been set up to help pay for the funeral costs and support his partner Danielle with a baby on the way.

With Villa being his boyhood club for 19 years and said to be a friend of Shawn’s, Grealish was one of hundreds that have already contributed to the fundraiser, donating £5,000 which has already helped his family reach nearly £25,000 of the £30k target. Well, in Jack.

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Sharing a tribute on Shawn’s Instagram page, his family said: “Heaven gained the most beautiful and purest angel of all. Our hearts will forever be missing a huge piece that you filled. You were the most caring, loving, honest and fun person who deserved more from life.”

His partner of five years wrote: “Our son will be your legacy and we know that through him you will always be with us. He will always know how special and amazing his daddy is.”

You can donate to Shawn Francis’ funeral fundraising page HERE to help Danielle and the baby financially during this tough time.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace.

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Featured Image — Jack Grealish (via Instagram)/GoFundMe