Tuesday 29 December 2015 22:14, UK
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died at the age of 47, nine days after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Srnicek made 190 appearances for Newcastle in two spells, between 1991 and 1998, and 2006 and 2007. He went on to have spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham before returning to St James' Park.
He collapsed while running in his native Czech Republic on Sunday, December 20. Srnicek was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Poruba and placed in an induced coma.
But his agent, Steve Wraith, confirmed that brain scans showed "irreversible" damage and the decision was taken to turn off his life support system on Tuesday afternoon.
Wraith told Sky Sports News HQ that Srnicek had last been in Newcastle recently to promote his book 'Pavel is a Geordie'.
"He was on a whistle-stop tour of Tyneside only 10 days ago. He travelled back to his home country to spend some welcome time with his family," he said.
"He is goalkeeping coach at Sparta Prague and has a very hectic schedule. He went out for a jog prior to Christmas and he never returned home. He collapsed with a cardiac arrest.
"They did manage to get him to hospital and resuscitate him. He has been on life support throughout the festive season, with his family by his bedside. Yesterday, Monday, was the crucial day. They did a CT scan on his head and on his brain and ultimately the news wasn't good. They had to make the heartbreaking decision to turn his life support machine off. That led to Pavel passing away at ten past two, UK time.
"His close family were around the bedside. The one thing that has got the family through this horrendous situation has been the huge support, particularly from Newcastle United supporters.
"The fantastic job the club did - although I am sure it would have been done spontaneously anyway - to get everyone to sing 'Pavel is a Geordie' throughout the game on Boxing Day... that kind of thing really did help the family.
"There has also been fantastic support for other clubs Pavel played for in the UK - there has been a great outpouring of love for one of life's good guys."
Former Newcastle team-mate Darren Peacock recalled: "He was the life and soul of the dressing room. He was loud - but only at the right times. He was competitive - really competitive. I didn't hear him say a bad word about anybody and it's such as shame.
"He was totally into team sport and totally into helping other players. In the dressing room you can tell which players are going to go into coaching. Pav was certainly one of those who you felt would definitely be involved in the game.
"The Geordies took him to their hearts. You could tell at the Villa game on Boxing Day. He was infectious, his personality, his character. He will be remembered forever."
Other former Newcastle team-mates have paid tribute to Srnicek.
Alan Shearer tweeted: "So very, very sad to lose my friend and former team-mate Pavel Srnicek. My thoughts are with his family at this awful time."
Former United goalkeeper Steve Harper tweeted: "A beautiful soul has left this world far too early. Thank you so much for everything you did for me."
Winger Keith Gillespie tweeted: "So sad to hear about Pavel Srnicek. Proud to have known him and played with him. Absolute gentleman."
Fellow 'keeper Shaka Hislop posted: "Rest in peace my friend. #Pav" and midfielder Gavin Peacock added: "Words fail to express the sadness at the death of my former @NUFC room mate."
And Newcastle United posted: "It is with immense sadness that we confirm the passing of former #NUFC goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek today. Our deepest condolences go to Pavel's family, many friends, former colleagues and supporters at this very difficult time. #NUFC".
