Community Mourns Tragic Loss of Football Coach in Construction Incident
A 36-year-old father-of-four has died in a tragic incident at a construction site in Kent, leaving behind his pregnant wife and a devastated local community. Joe Heath, from Folkestone, was described by his wife Amber as a "caring, bubbly and absolute gem of a person" in an emotional tribute following the workplace accident.
Family's Heartbreaking Loss
The incident occurred last Wednesday at the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne, where Mr Heath was helping to build a new logistics centre for COOK Classic. His pregnant wife Amber wrote movingly about her husband, saying: "My Joe, my Husband, my best friend and my absolute world, devastatingly and cruelly got taken from me, providing for our family like he has always done, leaving his four beautiful children and unborn baby behind."
She continued: "Anyone that knows Joe will know just how much of a caring, bubbly and absolute gem of a person he is. The best part of me left with him that day and he deserves the very best send off."
Football Community United in Grief
Mr Heath was a popular figure in local football circles, coaching Radnor Park Ladies FC and playing for Sunday League club Saltwood AFC. Both clubs have paid heartfelt tributes to their dedicated coach and teammate.
Radnor Park Ladies FC said in a statement: "Everyone at Radnor Park Ladies has been devastated by the tragic loss of our coach and dear friend, Joe Heath. Joe's unwavering dedication, time, love and passion for this team, week in and week out, brought us closer together: not just as teammates, but as friends."
The club added: "Through rain or shine, he was always our strongest supporter; the spark we so often needed, making us laugh, smile, and push ourselves to be better for one another. Joe gave everything to us, and his loss has left a wound that will never truly heal."
Widespread Tributes and Support
Saltwood AFC, Mr Heath's Sunday League football club, said they were "devastated" by the loss, describing him as a "true clubman around Folkestone" whose impact on the club "cannot be overstated."
Teams across the Ashford & District Sunday Football League observed a minute's silence before their weekend matches in honour of the popular coach, demonstrating the widespread respect he commanded within the local sporting community.
Official Investigations Underway
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been notified about the incident and is working with Kent Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Heath's death. Both organisations are conducting thorough inquiries into what happened at the construction site.
A spokesperson for COOK said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life at the construction site for our new logistics centre. Our thoughts are with the individual's family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time."
Winvic Construction, the main contractor at the site, confirmed: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a fatal incident occurred at our Sittingbourne site on Wednesday, January 21, involving a member of our subcontractor workforce. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the individual's family, friends, and colleagues at this extremely difficult time."
Community Support for Bereaved Family
A fundraising page has been established by a friend of the family to help support Mr Heath's wife and children, and to contribute towards funeral costs. The local community has rallied around the bereaved family, with many expressing their shock and sadness at the loss of such a well-loved local figure.
The tragic incident has highlighted the importance of workplace safety in the construction industry, while the outpouring of grief from multiple football clubs and community organisations demonstrates the significant impact Mr Heath had on those around him.
