Youth football team pays tribute to boy, 15, who died in M60 tragedy

Yahoo

22-07-2025

The football club of a fifteen-year-old boy who died on the M60 motorway have paid tribute to him, calling him 'a true heartbeat' and 'inspiration'.
The boy sadly died after emergency services were called to junction 20 of the motorway, close to Blackley, on July 20.
Greater Manchester Police said they had been called to the scene after receiving reports of a 'concern for welfare'. The ring road was shut at around 4:30pm as emergency services responded to what was described by transport agencies as a 'serious road traffic collision.'
READ MORE: M60 crash: Traffic stopped on motorway
READ MORE: 'Bubbly' boy who died in M60 tragedy named as tributes paid
It was confirmed by police that a 15-year-old boy had died at the scene. He was later named as Israel Iyabor.
Last night (July 21) a coach of the junior football team at Hyde United, where Israel had been a player, posted a moving tribute to him on social media.
"R.I.P Israel - totally heartbroken to have lost one of our own in such tragic circumstances," wrote Dan Bollington on Facebook.
"Israel was an influential part of the Hyde Utd family and it was my honour to have coached and got to know him.
"A true heartbeat and popular member of the team, a true inspiration who had his whole life ahead of him.
"Never did anybody see what was to come. Gone but never to be forgotten, RIP Israel.
At the end of the post, he added: "If anybody is ever struggling, please speak out. I will always be here and so will so many others to help you through any difficulties you may have."
Tens of cards and floral tributes have been left at the scene close to where the tragedy took place. Football shirts of the clubs where Israel is understood to have played - Hyde United and Manchester Panthers in Moston - have also been left in tribute.
Hyde United itself later put out a statement in tribute, saying on their website: "The club is devastated to hear the tragic news that Israel Iyabor, a cherished member of our junior football family, has sadly passed away.
"Israel was more than just a talented young footballer — he was an influential, bubbly character whose energy, smile, and love for the game lit up every training session and matchday.
"His coaches describe him as an absolute joy to coach and a privilege to watch on the pitch.
"Hyde United sends its deepest condolences to Israel's family, friends, teammates, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by all at the club."
Posts on social media have been flooded with condolences. Under Dan's post, Kristy Nuttall wrote: "So sad, he was a lovely young man and a very talented footballer who will be missed. Sending love to all his family and friends."
Others in the local football community also paid tribute. Joddie Dearden wrote: "So so sad, from all of us at Dukinfield Town FC we pass on our sincere condolences."
Lesley Hadfield wrote: "From everyone at AFC Stanley, our thoughts go to all his friends, family and everyone who knew him. Heart-breaking."