Young Gold Coast football star Declan Bingham dies in US in ‘accident’
Tributes are flowing for a Gold Coast football star who tragically died while overseas, with friends and family remembering him as a “kind” and “respectful” young man.
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Tributes are flowing for a Gold Coast soccer star who tragically passed away in unclear circumstances while overseas.
The passing of formerly Gold Coast based Declan Bingham – who used to play first class soccer in the city – was shared by Erie Sports Centre in Pennsylvania overnight.
It noted Sheldon VanDeventer had also passed.
Erie Sports Center shared the following confirmation from Declan’s father Troy Bingham: “Rest In Peace Declan Bingham and Sheldon VanDeventer.”
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I confirm the loss 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,” he said.
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.
— Erie Commodores FC (@Erie_Commodores) March 20, 2022
Further information will be posted soon. pic.twitter.com/Z4uMkcruRE
Football Gold Coast general Manager Damien Bresic was shocked at the news of the death of Declan aged in his mid-20s.
“I know Troy, his dad and I’m in shock,” he said.
“I’m devastated, it’s just terrible news when a kid that young goes.”
The pair played together in the Magic United reserves team in 2015.
Gold Coast club, Magic United posted a tribute to Mr Bingham on social media: “Magic United would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the Bingham
Family,” the tribute reads.
“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.”
All Magic players will wear a black armband and mark a minutes silence at upcoming fixtures this week.
Declan lived in the US for nearly seven years, having moved to Erie, Pennsylvania to take up a sports scholarship at Gannon University.
It was the same campus his father Troy had found fame at more than 30 years ago, gaining hall-of-fame status as a goalscorer.
Declan told the Bulletin in 2015 he was excited to follow in his father’s steps.
“Dad made All-American while he was at college and I guess that would have helped me get my scholarship,” Declan said.
Hundreds of comments followed the heartfelt post with their condolences.
“Declan was such a kind, respectful and handsome young man. My heartaches for you and your family,” Caroline DiPlacido said.
“Troy, I am completely shocked and saddened by this news. Declan was truly an amazing young man and I will miss working with him. You, your family and Sheldon; s family are in my thoughts,” Dan Mollo said.
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