Wembley FC goalkeeper, 29, tragically dies after drowning on holiday in Trinidad

Non-league side Wembley FC have announced the death of their goalkeeper Raheem Belgrave.

Belgrave was on holiday in his native Trinidad and Tobago when he drowned in a river after getting into difficulties.

A report by the Trinidad Daily Express states that Belgrave was swimming in the Paria River in Blanchisseuse, a village in the north of the country, on Sunday morning before disappearing below the water.

He was part of a group of people who were hiking in the area. Local police say that the 29-year-old was eventually pulled out of the water by his friends but that he was in an "unresponsive state".

Reports add that once Belgrave's friends had brought him out of the river, they then went to the Blanchisseusse Police Station where an ambulance was called but he had already passed away.

Authorities said a post-mortem has been ordered to confirm the cause of Belgrave's death.

On Saturday, Trinidad's Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said rivers would remain open but "with serious restrictions", including no alcohol or cooking.

Belgrave joined Wembley in 2018. The club posted a message on their Twitter account: "It is with terrible sadness that we bring news of Raheem "Birdie" Belgrave's death.

"We are shocked and saddened and send our condolences to his family and closest friends."

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association also released a statement.

They wrote: "The TTFA extends deepest condolences to the family of Raheem Belgrave who passed away on Sunday.

"Raheem was a member of the Men's National U-17 squad in 2008-2009 under then head coach Anton Corneal. He was the son of former National Team manager David Muhammad. May he rest in peace."

Belgrave was part of the under-17s national squad in 2008-2009 under then head coach Anton Corneal. He was the son of former National team manager David Muhammad. Prior to his move to Wembley, Belgrave played for San Juan Jabloteh in his homeland during the 2016/17 season.

He was part of the team that finished runners-up in the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championships in 2017.

He then joined Queen's Park in Trinidad in 2017-2018 before joining Wembley the year after. He played 35 times for Wembley during the past three seasons.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media.

Jaiden Babalola, a former teammate of Belgrave's, wrote: "Could not be a more worse start to 2022. Trying to stay positive.

To a brother, friend, teammate. To our football training sessions, gym sessions, cycles around London and train journeys."

One person wrote: "Shocked & saddened to hear this, met him a few years back at a trial match, kept in touch...such a great young man. Heartbreaking news. My thoughts & prayers go to his family & friends."

Luke Godfrey, who works in commercial at Wembley, said: "Incredibly sad and shocking news today.

"My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace."