West Brom offer support to Gareth Barry following death of his brother

The brother of West Brom midfielder Gareth Barry has been killed in a road traffic accident, it has been confirmed. 

Marc Barry, 39, West Brom have offered their full support to Gareth Barry after it was confirmed his brother was killed in a road traffic accident last week.

The painter and decorator died on Thursday, July 19 when his Mercedes Sprinter van was involved in collision with a Nissan Qashqai on the A28 in Brede Hill, East Sussex around 7am. 

Gareth Barry, left, is mourning the loss of his brother Marc, right, who died last week

Gareth Barry's brother Marc was killed in a road traffic collision earlier this week 

Gareth Barry’s brother Marc was killed in a road traffic collision earlier this week 

The club said Barry returned to training this week, although he is entitled to compassionate leave.   

He featured in a behind-closed-doors match against Brentford on Tuesday.

Boss Darren Moore said Barry would be given more compassionate leave if required.

Moore told the club’s official site: ‘This is terrible news for Gareth and his family and everyone at the club extends their condolences.

‘Gareth knows that he can rely on our full support and understanding in helping him cope with this tragic event.’

One of Barry’s former clubs Everton also tweeted their condolences.

It read: ‘The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with Gareth Barry and his family after the sad news of his brother’s passing.’

Albion added that police have issued an appeal for witnesses to the incident which happened in East Sussex at 7am on Thursday, July 19.

Gareth Barry first played for England under Kevin Keegan in a friendly against Ukraine in May 2000.

In total, he played 53 times for his country scoring three goals.

He was picked for the squad for the European Championships in 2012 but was forced to withdraw with a groin injury. 

Police investigating the crash believe Mr Barry was driving a white Mercedes Vito van which was involved in a collision with a black Nissan Qashqai on the A28 in Brede Hill. 

In a tribute to Mr Barry, his family said: ‘Marc grew up in Hastings and lived in the area his whole life, where he has many friends and family. He was a very sociable guy, a typical bloke who was “one of the boys”.

‘He was a painter and decorator by trade, however he loved his designer clothes and always dressed smart – except when he was at work of course.

‘Marc leaves behind his mother, father, three brothers, two sisters and two sons, all of whom will miss him terribly.

‘We’d like to thank everyone, especially the paramedics, who tried to help Marc during his final moments.’ 

The driver of the car suffered serious injuries.

Sergeant Vicki Rees, of the Sussex roads policing unit, said: ‘We are investigating the circumstances and would like to hear from anyone who may be able to assist. Any dash-cam footage would be particularly helpful.’ 

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call police on 101, quoting Operation Barbican.  



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