Former Bolton, Aston Villa and England U21 defender, Jlloyd Samuel, 37, dies in car crash after dropping his children at school

Former Bolton, Aston Villa, and England Under 21s defender,  Jlloyd Samuel, has died in a car crash at the age of 37.

The ex-Trinidad and Tobago international was involved in a fatal collision on his way home in Cheshire on Tuesday morning, just after he had dropped his children off at school.

It was reported that the collision was between two vehicles, a van and Samuel's Range Rover which occurred on West Lane in the village of High Legh shortly before 8am, with Cheshire Police closing the road and asking drivers to avoid the area. 

The news was confirmed by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association on their official Facebook page.

"We've received some terrible news that former national defender and ex-Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers player Jlloyd Samuel died in a car crash this morning in England," they wrote.

"According to reports, Jlloyd was returning home after dropping his kids off to school and collided with an oncoming vehicle. His vehicle caught fire and his body was discovered burnt.

"The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and his former national team-mates at this time extends deepest condolences to his family members both in the UK and here in Trinidad and Tobago."

Samuel is survived by his wife Emma and three children - Javarne, Lakyle and Amara.

Jlloyd who began his senior professional career at Aston Villa spent nine years at the club, and also played for Gillingham, Bolton Wanderers, and Cardiff City, as well as Iranian clubs Esteghlal and Paykan.

He also represented England at youth level, playing for the Under-18, Under-20 and Under-21 teams, but pledged his international allegiance to Trinidad.

His former football clubs have all taken to social media to pay tribute following the sad news