David Gellett, of Connah's Quay, was a goalkeeper for Wepre Rangers Football Club, Connah's Quay and was getting ready to play a pre-season friendly match against Holywell Town at their ground on Halkyn Road last night.

During the pre-match warm-up, Mr Gellett was doing his usual exercises when he suddenly collapsed on the pitch.

Holywell Town manager Anthony Wallis and player Chris Williams desperately tried to resuscitate him for 15 minutes until the ambulance arrived.

He was pronounced dead at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan shortly after.

Mr Wallis said: "We were just getting ready to play when it happened so we rushed over to try and assist. We tried to give him first aid but we noticed he had stopped breathing.

"It has really affected everyone in our team and we didn't know the gentleman, so I can't imagine how everyone in the Wepre team and everyone who knew him must be feeling. Our condolences go out to them.

"It's a terrible shock."

The match was called off.

Connah's Quay councillor Bernie Attridge said: "I am very sad to hear the news of the loss of such a young life and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew Mr Gellet."

A spokesman for the Welsh Ambulance Service said: "We were called to Holywell football ground at 7.22pm and one rapid response vehicle and one emergency ambulance attended the scene.

"The 30-year-old male was taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, where he was pronounced dead."

If you knew David Gellett and would like to leave a tribute to him please leave a comment below or email digitalnews@nwn.co.uk


Tributes already left to David Gellett

"Regret not having long enough to get to know you,
Such were a lovely, friendly man, a huge loss to everyone.
God bless, rest in peace Dave xxx

Jay Anderson"

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"Will miss him very much, worked with Dave for a couple of months now and I have to say he is one of the most genuine people I have ever met! He was always a good laugh and I will miss him dearly!! R.I.P Dave! Xxx

Jessica Parry"

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"To Disco Dave,
Jeez wot a guy u are!!! I cnt believe that u have gone!!! I cnt bear to sit at my desk at work knowing that ur neva gona be sat opposite me again!!!
This Welsh girl is now flying ur Bobby Moore English flag on her desk………and the only reason why I let u display it for so long was because u bought it for charity!!!! That's the kind of bloke u are!!!
If any1 ever asked to lend anything from u u would instantly say 'course u can'………coz that's the kinda bloke u are!!!!
My thoughts are with ur family, especially your sister who u totally adore!!!
I will miss you disco and I hope u are aware of the hearts u have touched!!! Mine included!!!

Lots and lots of Love,

Kinky Kate.xxxxxxxx"

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"What an amazing bloke
It was a privilege to have worked with him
My thoughts are with you his family at this sad time
He will be greatly missed by all at Challenger

God bless Dave and sleep well

Carly & Lesley"

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"Such a loss of a wonderful, kind, considerate and thoughtful man who will be sadly missed by all.

Jodie.x"

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"Tragedy! There just aren't enough words to explain the pain and loss of you gone!
I have no idea why life is so cruel, to take you away from us like this.
You really were one of the special ones Dave weren't you, who I'm sure people admired, were proud of, and looked up to.
It was a pleasure just to know you, and only wish it had been for longer,
I will miss your cheeky smile, it just isn't the same without you.
You are in our thoughts and hearts for now and forever Dave, so sadly missed R.I.P. babe xxxxxxxxxxx

Hollie"

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"Sorry to hear about the shocking news about Dave.
He made a lot of good friends in BT, many of which continued friendships after he left - Our thoughts go out to all of his family.

Nathan Sheady and Dave's old teammates in BT Chester"

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"Took a while to get to know you properly Dave with your dry sense of humour, but it was worth it in the end mate.
Going to miss us having a laugh together in work and at the gym together.
Take care mate, you will be missed more than you would ever realise.

Paul McElroy"