Rest in peace, Declan Bingham and Sheldon van Deventer
Australian footballer Declan Bingham has died, with his father sharing the devastating news on social media.
Declan’s father, Troy, announced the passing of his son on social media, which was then posted by the Erie Sports Center in Pennsylvania.
Troy’s business partner was also reportedly killed and while the cause of death is unclear, the pair are said to have died in an accident ‘overseas’.
A statement read: “Rest in peace Declan Bingham and Sheldon VanDeventer.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I confirm the lost yesterday of my partner and my son due to a tragic accident.’
“The impact is immense and we are busy dealing with the grief.
“The Erie Sports Center will remain open and further information will be posted soon.”
The Erie Commodores are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Commodores player Declan Bingham, and one of the Erie Sports Center owners, Sheldon van Deventer, due to a tragic accident.
Further information will be posted soon. pic.twitter.com/Z4uMkcruRE
— Erie Commodores FC (@Erie_Commodores) March 20, 2022
The footballer played for Australian side Magic United, who are based on the Gold Coast, before moving to The Erie Commodores in Pennsylvania.
”Declan Bingham tragically passed away in an accident.
“Declan has over the years played for various age groups at Magic and, more recently, the senior Men’s team.”
Erie Commodores added: “The Erie Commodores are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Commodores player Declan Bingham, and one of the Erie Sports Center owners, Sheldon van Deventer, due to a tragic accident.”
Gannon University, where Declan studied in the US, also paid tribute to him and Sheldon van Deventer.
The Gannon community has been saddened by the tragic passing of Declan Bingham and Sheldon van Deventer, former GU soccer student-athletes and proud members of the Erie community. Our prayers are with Declan and Sheldon’s family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/8Fi0QcAPdG
— Gannon Athletics (@GUKnights) March 21, 2022
They wrote: “Our prayers are with Declan and Sheldon’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Gannon Athletics added: “The Gannon community has been saddened by the tragic passing of Declan Bingham and Sheldon van Deventer, former GU soccer student-athletes and proud members of the Erie community. Our prayers are with Declan and Sheldon’s family and friends during this difficult time.”