John Berylson, owner and chairman of English Football League team (EFL) Millwall FC, tragically died in a single-car crash in Massachusetts Tuesday morning.
He was 70 years old.
Berylson was driving his 2019 Range Rover around 8 AM when police say he lost control of the vehicle, which rolled over, and ultimately hit a tree. Despite rescuers’ best attempts, John succumbed to his injuries.
“John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him,” Millwall Football Club said in a statement.
“He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness. He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people.”
“John reveled in the club’s underdog status and mentality,” the statement continued. “He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters. He was fiercely loyal to all his staff, and both they and the fan base will miss him beyond measure.”
Millwall — which just began preseason training camp in Spain — honored Berylson during practice on Wednesday.
RIP the Millwall FC owner John Berylson, who was killed this morning in a tragic accident.
A fantastic owner that did so much for the club, a Millwall legend. 💙pic.twitter.com/kcpWRTFC7o
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) July 4, 2023
@FBAwayDays
Berylson, who first became involved with Millwall in 2006, was very involved in philanthropy … running the Amy Smith and John G. Berylson Foundation. He was also a trustee of the Smith Family Foundation, which awards grants of approximately $15 million a year, according to its website.
John is survived by his wife, Amy, and three children, Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth.
Rest in peace.