He passed away in the United States, where he served as a coach and mentor, Sheffield Wednesday reported.The organization continued, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our former player Chris Bart-Williams.”
When he was 16 years old, Bart-Williams made his full club debut for Leyton Orient in a 4-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers.
He signed up with the Owls in 1991, and he played more than 100 times for the team.
Before stints at Charlton and Ipswich Town, Bart-Williams joined to Forest in 1995 and played more than 200 times for the City Ground team.
“Our thoughts go out to Chris’ family and friends at this truly difficult time,” Forest stated, expressing their “deep sadness.”His passing coincided with that of Trevor Francis, whom Forest acquired from Birmingham City in 1979 and who became the first footballer to earn £1 million in Britain.
When Francis was in command of Sheffield Wednesday, he also oversaw Bart-Williams and used him as a substitute in the 1993 FA Cup final, which saw the Owls lose to Arsenal after a replay.
In a statement, Sheffield Wednesday stated, “Bart-Williams’ untimely passing matches that of his manager at Hillsborough, Trevor Francis, who also passed away on this, one of the worst days in our lengthy history.
Bart-Williams was said to as “a wonderfully gifted player, with a huge personality, and a very charismatic guy” by former Sheffield Wednesday striker Mark Bright.
“Knowing him was loving him,” he said, “sending love to his family, friends, and former teammates.”
“Devastating day, to hear the news of Trevor Francis passing and my former teammate Chris Bart Williams, both taken so soon, RIP Trevor and Chris,” former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman stated.
At Forest, Bart-Williams assisted the team in capturing the old First Division championship in 1997–98 to secure Premier League promotion.
Mark Crossley, a former Forest goalie, tweeted: “I’m so upset to hear the news of Trevor Francis passing and my former teammate Chris Bart Williams, both so young, it is so sad, RIP Trevor and Chris.”
With Bart-Williams at Charlton, former England striker Darren Bent issued the following statement: “RIP My former teammate Chris Bart-Williams, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
“Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any worse, I’ve heard the devastating news Chris Bart-Williams has passed away,” tweeted former Coventry and Liverpool striker David Speedie. My heart goes out to Chris’s family and friends during this trying time. Chris, RIP.
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