England Hockey Deeply Saddened By Andy Gibson's Passing

England Hockey were hugely saddened to learn of the death of hockey stalwart Andy Gibson, who lost his life in a car accident last week.

At the age of just 31, Andy had already left an indelible mark on the sport in this country.

Having coached at Doncaster Hockey Club, Leeds University, Loughborough Students, England & Wales’ youth teams and England Hockey’s DiSE programme among many others, he was exceptionally well known across the nation for his coaching ability but also his energy, warmth and personality.

Everyone at England Hockey would like to pass on their sincere condolences to everybody who had the pleasure of knowing him.

England Hockey’s Junior Talent Development Manager Dieter Hill said: “Our community has seen one of its nicest and brightest taken from us. Andy was one of our most high potential coaches, having worked throughout the pathway, immersed across DiSE and England Age Group programmes.

“Gibbo brought sunshine to the experiences of both players and coaches he worked with. Through his extensive knowledge of the game, his creative sessions and also his brilliant sense of fun and humour, his passion to support individuals and develop teams shone through every interaction. My prayers and thoughts are with Andy’s family and friends.”

Doncaster Hockey Club held a minute’s silence before their most recent fixtures as a mark of respect, and president Alan Stoves said: “Doncaster Hockey Club and the wider hockey community has lost a true giant of the sport with the death of our beloved Andy. The sense of disbelief and the outpouring of sadness and grief are a true mark of the man and the impact he had on so many lives in his far too short life.

"Andy had a huge circle of friends, it was inevitable given the type of man he was. He could talk to anyone about anything. His encyclopaedic knowledge of sport meant he was the lifeblood of the sports club. Whether it was talking about his beloved Leeds United or what would win the 2.30 at Newmarket, his sharp wit had everybody in his presence smiling.

"I never saw Andy argue or fall out with anyone, he had a true gift for communication whether that was with an eight year old junior who had just been hit on the finger by a hockey ball, or us more grizzled folk who he would just cheer up.

"Andy, none of us can believe we will never see your smile or hear your chuckle again. It was a pleasure knowing you and I don’t know what I am going to do without you. I do know one thing for certain though, that you packed in so much to your short life, for every person whose life you touched you may be gone but you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.”

Loughborough Students said: ‘He was not only our coach but a great person and friend who will be very sorely missed. For the many who knew him not hearing his infectious laugh, seeing his real passion for making people better or just feeling his energy and warmth will take some time to come to terms with.’

Writing on social media, Olympic gold-medal winning captain Kate Richardson-Walsh wrote: “Sending love and light to everyone who was touched by Gibbo’s energy. So terribly sad. Together you’ll find strength.” Her wife and fellow gold medallist Helen added: “So sorry for your loss, such devastating news. Sending love and strength to all that knew Gibbo at the most saddest of times.”