Andrew Devine dies, becoming 97th Hillsborough fatality
Coroner rules that he was unlawfully killed.
Last updated 29th Jul 2021
Andrew Devine's family has confirmed he has passed away, making him the 97th Hillsborough fatality.
Andrew was at the match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in 1989 and suffered life-changing injuries.
A coroner's inquest ruled earlier that he was unlawfully killed as a result of the tragedy.
That ruling means Andrew is added to names of the 96 other fatalities as a result of the disaster.
His family released a statement:
"It is with great sadness and a sense of immense loss that we can confirm that Andrew Devine passed away yesterday at the premature age of 55.
"Our collective devastation is overwhelming but so too is the realisation that we were blessed to have had Andrew with us for 32 years since the Hillsborough tragedy.
"We welcome the conclusion of the coroner, Mr Andre Rebello, made today at Liverpool Coroner’s Court, that Andrew was unlawfully killed, making him the 97th fatality of the tragic events that occurred on April 15, 1989.
"In the intervening years, Andrew has been a much loved son, brother and uncle. He has been supported by his family and a team of dedicated carers, all of whom devoted themselves to him.
"As ever, our thoughts are with all of those affected by Hillsborough.
"We would ask that our privacy is respected at this sad time."
Liverpool FC players and staff paid tribute to Andrew on Thursday morning, by observing a 97-second silence:
Liverpool FC released this statement:
"Liverpool Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Andrew Devine, who died yesterday at the age of 55.
"A lifelong Liverpool supporter, Andrew continued to attend matches at Anfield when possible despite suffering life-changing injuries at Hillsborough on April 15, 1989. In doing so he defied expectations that he would not survive for six months after the tragedy.
"At an inquest held in Liverpool today, it was ruled that Andrew was unlawfully killed as a result of the disaster, providing a further tragic reminder of the toll that Hillsborough continues to take on all affected by it.
"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Andrew’s family and his carers.
"It should also be noted that Andrew’s family have appealed for privacy and we would urge that this request is respected."
Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp has also released a statement paying tribute to Andrew:
"We are sad for the entire Liverpool family because another life has been cut short by Hillsborough"
“We found out that Andrew was in hospital last week and all of us hoped that he would make a recovery but it wasn’t to be.
“It is a very sad moment for everyone who has Liverpool in their hearts and for many others besides. We have lost an incredible person, someone who showed us all what it is to fight and who refused to give in even when the expectation was that he could fight no more.
“I did not know Andrew well but I met him when he visited Melwood when visits were still possible and all of us got to share some time with him. He had his carers with him and it was clear that they were brilliant people who did so much for him.
“We are all very sad about this news. We are sad for Andrew, we are sad for his wonderful family who cared for him for so long and we are sad for the entire Liverpool family because another life has been cut short by Hillsborough.
“All of them are in my thoughts and prayers. We will not forget Andrew. He made a big impact on all of us.”