A Liverpool fan who suffered life-altering injuries during the Hillsborough Stadium disaster in 1989 has passed away and become the 97th victim of the tragic event.
Andrew Devine, who was 55 at the time of his death, was one of hundreds of people injured in the incident, during the love affair at the stadium before the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Our hearts go out to Andrew Devine’s family and friends.
Andrew is now the 97th death in Hillsborough. # YNWA # RIP https://t.co/FATpG1JBrD
– Liverpool City Council (@lpoolc Council) 28 July 2021
Devine survived the events but was left with life-changing injuries. 32 years later, Liverpool took to their official website to confirm that he had lost his tragic battle with these injuries.
“It is with great sadness and a sense of immense loss that we can confirm that Andrew Devine passed away yesterday at a premature age of 55,” reads a statement from Devine’s family. “Our collective devastation is overwhelming, but so is the realization that we were blessed to have Andrew with us for 32 years since the Hillsborough tragedy.
“We welcome the conclusion of the Crown, Mr Andre Rebello, today at the Liverpool Coroner’s Court, that Andrew was killed illegally, making him the 97th death of the tragic events of 15 April 1989.
“In the intervening years, Andrew has been a much-loved son, brother and uncle. He has been supported by his family and a team of dedicated caregivers, all of whom devoted themselves to him.
“As always, our thoughts are with all those affected by Hillsborough. We pray that our integrity is respected in this sad time.”
Before Devine’s death, the latest tragedy was the Hillsborough disaster Tony Bland, who was left with a serious brain but lived for another four years.
As noted by the Liverpool Echo as early as 2019, midfielder James Milner specifically asked that the team’s open bus celebration of their Champions League triumph take a detour to Devine’s house to let him see the trophy picture.
We are deeply saddened to hear of Andrew’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and, as always, with all those affected by the Hillsborough tragedy.
RIP Andrew Devine. ❤️? https://t.co/HnlXToE0NI
– Everton (@Everton) July 28, 2021
“A lifelong Liverpool supporter, Andrew continued to take part in matches at Anfield whenever possible despite suffering life – altering injuries at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989,” Liverpool recalls. “In doing so, he defied expectations that he would not survive for six months after the tragedy.
“In an investigation held in Liverpool today, it was decided that Andrew was killed illegally as a result of the disaster, which provided an additional tragic reminder of the toll that Hillsborough continues to take on everyone affected by it. All thoughts at the club are with Andrew’s family and his caregivers. “
