Former Aston Villa and Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35.
Whittingham tragically suffered an accidental head injury yesterday, spending the past 24 hours in intensive care. It was announced earlier this afternoon that he had died.
It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35.
Club Statement: https://t.co/SGYOx4L2x2 pic.twitter.com/cvkfhRkP1N— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) March 19, 2020
All at Aston Villa are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Whittingham, an Academy graduate and FA Youth Cup winner who represented our first team between 2003 and 2007.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ZUebsEje9d— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 19, 2020
A statement on the Cardiff City website read:
It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. We are heartbroken.
The news of Peter’s sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family.
They are at the forefront of our thoughts and, on their behalf, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this unfathomably cruel and difficult time.
“First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality.
Then, as a professional footballer - as a Bluebird - he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Nobody did it better.
The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.
Whittingham began his career at Aston Villa, but spent the majority of his career at Cardiff City. He was part of the team that achieved promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 2013, leaving the club in 2017 after ten years in Wales.
He most recently played for Blackburn Rovers. Tributes have started to pour in on social media after the news of his death broke:
Rest in Peace Peter Whittingham😔 Didnt know him personally but have the biggest respect for his footballing ability and that wand of a left foot which scored so many free kicks which I absolutely loved watching. Thoughts are with his family and friends 💔 pic.twitter.com/VnbPieSlrX
— James Maddison (@Madders10) March 19, 2020
Devastated to have lost an old teammate had some great memories on and off the pitch with you football has lost a great guy and player gone too soon deepest condolences to your family RIP Whitts pic.twitter.com/ZEmVrTxzkB
— Michael Chopra (@MichaelChopra) March 19, 2020
Sad news. Deepest condolences go out to Peter Whittingham’s friends and family. A talented player that came through during my latter years at @AVFCOfficial RIP Peter. 💜💙 pic.twitter.com/tBHlSOXKik
— Ian Taylor (@IanTaylor7) March 19, 2020
