“Claude had a heart of gold.”
AFTV founder Robbie Lyle has issued a statement on the death of former AFTV member Claude Callegari, who passed away on Monday evening.
The news of Claude’s passing was confirmed on Tuesday morning via the Twitter account of his new channel, Claude and the Banstas.
We can’t believe we are writing this, with permission from Claude’s father, it is with great sadness and a broken heart that we have to announce that our dear friend and legend Claude sadly passed away yesterday afternoon 29th March. pic.twitter.com/GULZVXxsah
— The Gooner Claude Trust (@goonerclaudeT) March 30, 2021
Claude was an integral member of the AFTV channel for years, before they parted ways in July after he made offensive comments about Heung-min Son.
“We are absolutely devastated today to learn of the death of Claude Callegari, one of the channel’s most popular contributors,” AFTV tweeted.
We are absolutely devastated today to learn of the death of Claude Callegari, one of the channel’s most popular contributors.
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) March 30, 2021
“Claude was a much loved figure during his time on the channel and through his passion for Arsenal was able to connect with fans from around the globe on a meaningful level.
Claude was a much loved figure during his time on the channel and through his passion for Arsenal was able to connect with fans from around the globe on a meaningful level.
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) March 30, 2021
“We had continued to privately support Claude during his time away from the channel during the pandemic and the news of his passing comes as a deep shock to everyone at AFTV and in the wider Arsenal community.
“We will not be publishing any content on our platform over the next few days whilst we come to terms with the news of his passing.
We will not be publishing any content on our platform over the next few days whilst we come to terms with the news of his passing.
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) March 30, 2021
Robbie Lyle concluded the thread with a video posted to AFTV’s channel in Claude’s honour, in which he speaks emotively about the memories they shared together, saying Claude “had a heart of gold” and urging people to allow his family the privacy they need at this time.
