Tributes pour in following the death of 6-year-old Dundee schoolboy

Jack Stewart died suddenly on Sunday, 7th May

Author: Dale EatonPublished 11th May 2023
Last updated 11th May 2023

Tributes have been pouring in following the sudden passing of Dundee schoolboy Jack Stewart on Sunday, 7th May 2023.

The six-year-old was a pupil at Sidlaw View Primary school and has been a Dundee West FC player since the age of three.

To honour the youngster the club announced they will retire Jack's number 19 shirt at the 2016's age group.

The club have also created a fundraiser on behalf of the family.

In a statement on social media paying tribute to the youngster the club said: "All at Dundee West are devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Jack Stewart on Sunday 7th May 2023.

"Jack aged 6, joined the club as a Wee Westies player at age of 3.

"Jack continued his football with the West through the Wee Westies and into Fun 4s with the 2016s age group where Jack proudly wore the number 19 shirt. As a mark of respect this number 19 will be retired as a squad number by the 2016s and will remain as Jack's number.

"Jack, a pupil at Sidlaw View PS, was a popular member of the 2016s squad and Dundee West was a massive part of Jack's life.

"Jack's Dad, Ian also supported his son and the 2016s team by volunteering to help Jack and his teammates as well as supporting fellow coaches with coaching and general help of the team.

"All our thoughts are with Ian, Jillian and Jack's younger sister Rebecca as well as the wider family.

"The Stewart family as well as the wider family are committed and invested to the West and local community, being involved in different teams and age groups across the club.

"At this time the Dundee West 2016s and club will do all we can to support the family at this unbelievably sad time.

"Longer term we will look to pay tribute to Jack in fitting ways which will keep Jack as part of the Dundee West Family.

"This weekend there will be a minute silence across all Dundee West games.

"We will also be releasing further information about short term and longer term tributes in due course with the blessing of the Stewart Family.

"The family have also passed on their thanks for all the kind messages of support. "

In response, Leisure and Culture Dundee posted: "Absolutely heart-breaking. Thoughts to Jack’s family from everybody at Leisure and Culture Dundee."

Many local football clubs have been paying tribute. Monifieth Athletic said: "All at Monifieth Athletic are devastated to hear of the passing of Jack. Please pass on our condolences to Jack’s family and to the wider Dundee West family. "

Douglas Youth FC also posted saying: Very sad news - our thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone at Dundee West FC at this heart-breaking time from all at Douglas Youth."

Carnoustie Panmure Youth said: "Very very sorry to hear this. Sending lots of love and support to friends and family"

Dryburgh Athletic added: "Sincere condolences and thoughts to Jack’s family and all at Dundee West from all at Dryburgh Athletic Community Club."

Broughty Athletic JFC said: "So sorry to hear this news. Our Thoughts are with the Jack’s family from everyone at Broughty Athletic."

Calls have also been made from Dundee United supporters to hold a minutes applause on the sixth minute of their match with Ross County on Saturday.

The highland side have encouraged their supporters to take part.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.