Ex-Arsenal Striker Mourns Tragic Death Of His Older Sister

Former Arsenal, Celtic and Wales striker John Hartson has revealed the tragic death of his older sister Hayley.

Hartson took to social media to announce the sad news.

He wrote in an emotional post: “It is with great sadness today we put our Beloved Hayley to rest.

“Hayley passed away on the 21/10/2020.

“We are totally devastated.. she will be sorely missed.

“There are no words. RIP Big sister.”

Former Irish footballer Andy Reid was among those to send his condolences on Twitter.

He said: “Deepest condolences mate, thoughts with you and your family today.”

Ex-British boxer Scott Cardle and former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson also shared their best wishes with the Hartson family.

Hayley was one of four children to parents Cyril and Diana Hartson, with brothers James, professional footballer John and sister Victoria.

An obituary notice described her as the ‘much-loved mother of James, loving daughter of Cyril and Diana, adored sister to James, John and Victoria, loved mother-in-law to Scarlett, dearest partner of Layton’.

It added: “Hayley will be greatly missed by her sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, family and her many friends.”

A private funeral service will be held in Swansea at lunchtime today.

This post was first published on GoalBall.