Rotherham United have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of supporter Retforth Hudspeth following our Sky Bet Championship fixture against Huddersfield Town.
Retforth had travelled to watch the fixture against the Terriers with our official Supporters’ Club but was taken ill upon the return journey and sadly passed away in hospital the following day.
The club would like to place on-record its thanks to the emergency responders who were quick to arrive on the scene - where they handled an incredibly distressing situation with impeccable professionalism - and also the fans travelling on the coach, who not only offered their support, but showed immense respect to a fellow Miller and his family on the night.
We would also like to thank the kind-hearted local resident, who, upon witnessing the situation unfold outside, invited supporters into her home to give emergency responders the best possible opportunity of helping Retforth. The club has organised a gesture of thanks for the individual in question, which we hope to arrive with her before the end of the week.
The thoughts of everyone at Rotherham United are with all of Retforth’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, particularly his daughter Claire, who had attended the match and remained by his side throughout.
It goes without saying that we will take the opportunity to pay our respects to Retforth as part of the Rotherham Remembers 2022 tribute which will take place prior to our next home game against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday 14th January 2023, but the club will also be requesting to hold a minute’s applause in his honour before kick off on the same day.