Tributes pour in for ex-Premier League striker following Taser death
Tributes have poured in for ex-Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday striker Dalian Atkinson who died in the early hours of this morning after being Tasered by police.
The 48-year-old was pronounced dead at about 3am, approximately 90 minutes after being hit by a stun gun. West Mercia officers had been called to the house of Atkinson’s father, Ernest, in Telford, Shropshire amid concerns over an individual’s safety.
“Aston Villa is saddened to hear of the death of our former striker Dalian Atkinson,” read an Aston Villa statement. “Dalian undoubtedly provided real memorable moments during his time in claret and blue.”
Sheffield Wednesday added their condolences, writing on Twitter: “The thoughts of everyone at Wednesday are with the friends and family of Dalian Atkinson this morning. RIP.”
Atkinson scored Villa’s opening goal in their 1994 League Cup final victory over Manchester United at Wembley and also won the first Premier League goal of the season gong for his chipped effort against Wimbledon during the 1992-93 campaign.
While never capped by England, Atkinson played one B international for the national side, scoring during a 4-1 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in 1990.