Tributes pour in for non-league footballer Tom Rankin after sudden death aged 26

Redditch United midfielder Tom Rankin has sadly passed away suddenly and unexpectedly aged 26.

The tragic news was announced by the non-league club on Sunday afternoon, though a cause of death is yet to be confirmed. The announcement came just 24 hours after Rankin, a Loughborough University graduate, played for Redditch in their Southern League Premier Division Central home fixture against Rushden & Diamonds.

"Redditch United are devastated to hear of passing of midfielder Thomas Rankin," the club tweeted. "Tom has been with the Reds for the past three seasons and his loss will be felt by all at the Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. RIP Tom."

Redditch manager Matt Clarke tweeted: "Life is so precious people. We often take things for granted, I know I do... certain things aren't that important in the grand scheme of things. A special person left us today and words cannot describe how special this lad was."

In a Facebook statement, Rankin's parents Bob and Wendy said the midfielder's passing had left the family devastated. "Tom you are the best son, you have always made us so proud, you are our world," said Wendy. "There are no words for how much we will miss you.

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