Non-league footballer Rowe dies aged 19 as "devastated" club pay tribute

Non-league footballer Christian Rowe has passed away aged 19 following a road traffic accident.

The midfielder played for National League South outfit Slough Town and was also on the books at Isthmian League side Binfield FC.

Rowe had previously played for Havant & Waterlooville and was recently on trial at Premier League side Burnley.

"It is with great sadness that we have to announce the tragic passing of Christian Rowe," read a joint-statement from Slough Town and Binfield.

"This news has left everyone involved with Academy23, Slough Town FC and Binfield FC devastated and heartbroken. Both clubs 1st team and U23 fixtures due to take place this weekend have been cancelled.

"Christian was regarded as one of Slough Towns most promising young players. And this season had been a standout performer for the U23's and been involved in the first-team squad.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with parents, family, friends and teammates. We ask everyone to respect the family's privacy at this incredibly difficult time."

Tributes have poured in on social media following the news of Rowe's tragic passing.

"The thoughts and condolences of everyone within the Spitfires family are with Christian's family, friends and all those connected at the club at this tragic time," tweeted Eastleigh FC's account.

Oxford City added: "Oxford City FC send our best wishes to Christian Rowe's family and friends and to everyone at Slough Town."

Leyton Orient tweeted: "Everyone here at Leyton Orient FC passes on our sincere condolences to all at Slough Town, along with Christian's family and friends."

Wrexham wrote: "Sending our deepest condolences to Christian's family, friends and all of those at Slough Town.

Yeovil Town tweeted: "Truly sad news. Sending thoughts and prayers from Somerset to Christian's friends, family and those at the club."

Tooting & Mitcham United wrote: "Such tragic news, please pass on our deepest condolences to Christian's family and friends, including everyone at both clubs."

Concord Rangers tweeted: "The thoughts of us all here at Concord Rangers are with Christian's family, friends and all those at Slough Town."

Ebbsfleet United wrote: "All of us at Ebbsfleet United convey our condolences to Christian's family, friends and all those of you at Slough Town."

Leamington FC continued: "The thoughts of everyone at Leamington Football Club are with Christian's family and friends as well as everyone at Slough Town, Academy 23 and Binfield FC. RIP."

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough and shadow rail minister, also shared his condolences.

"That is really sad news," tweeted the politician. "My sincerest condolences to the family of Christian Rowe and everyone at Slough Town. May he rest in peace."

Spencer Owen, founder and CEO of Hashtag United, added: "Very sorry to hear this guys. My thoughts with you all."

And the Berks & Bucks FA, the governing body of football in the region, tweeted: "We send our deepest condolences to Christian's family and friends and to those at the clubs he represented at this incredibly difficult time."