West Ham’s Australian striker Dylan Tombides died on Friday following a three-year battle with testicular cancer.
The 20-year-old, who made his Hammers first-team debut two years ago, passed away with his family at his bedside.
West Ham confirmed the news of Tombides’ death in a statement on their website. Tombides was first diagnosed with cancer while representing Australia during the 2011 Under-17 World Cup in Mexico.
“West Ham United announce the sad news that forward Dylan Tombides has passed away at the age of 20 following his brave battle with cancer,” the club statement read.
“Dylan passed away on Friday morning with his family by his side having courageously fought the disease for three years after initially being diagnosed with testicular cancer in summer 2011.”
Perth-born Tombides was regarded as one of the most exciting young players to come out of Australia after signing with West Ham as a 14-year-old.
After being diagnosed he battled back to make his first-team debut off the substitutes’ bench in a League Cup match against Wigan in 2012. His death will be marked by a minute’s applause before West Ham’s home match against Crystal Palace this weekend.
West Ham added in the club statement: “Dylan’s amazing resilience and positivity saw him through months of surgery and chemotherapy, while his outstanding talent saw him make his first-team debut in a League Cup tie with Wigan Athletic at the Boleyn Ground in September 2012.
