Home
West Ham United has confirmed the tragic death of 15-year-old academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, who passed away following a courageous fight with cancer. The news was announced by the club’s sporting director, Mark Noble, in a heartfelt statement shared on Friday.
Fairs was diagnosed in August 2023 with an ependymoma, a rare form of tumor that develops in the brain or spinal cord. The diagnosis came after months of suffering from symptoms like heart palpitations, headaches, right-sided weakness, and sickness, which had initially been misdiagnosed as mental health problems and migraines. An MRI scan later revealed that Fairs had a 9cm tumor on the left side of his brain, attached to his motor system, along with three cysts.
Mark Noble’s Tribute to Oscar Fairs
In a touching tribute, Mark Noble expressed the collective grief felt by everyone at West Ham United. His statement read:
"On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, it is with deep and profound sadness that I confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer."
Noble continued, praising the young player’s character and contributions to the Academy:
"Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy - not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him."
A Bright Future Taken Too Soon
Noble shared personal memories of Oscar, reflecting on his positive and friendly nature:
"I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden - Lenny and his teammates all loved him. He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age."
West Ham Postpones Academy Fixtures in Tribute
As a mark of respect, West Ham United has announced that all scheduled Academy fixtures for the weekend have been postponed, including the PL2 Under-21 match against Stoke City. Noble assured that the club would share further information regarding plans to honor Oscar’s memory in due course, promising that his name would never be forgotten at the club:
"In due course, the Club will also share information on our plans to pay tribute to Oscar, and we will ensure that his name is never forgotten at West Ham United."
Club and Player Donations for Oscar’s Treatment
During his battle, Fairs received widespread support from the football community. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, a former West Ham captain, made a generous donation of £5,000 ($6,300) toward his treatment. Current West Ham players also rallied around Fairs, collectively donating £27,000 ($24,000), while the club’s co-owner, David Sullivan, contributed £10,000 ($12,600).
Stoke City’s Condolences
Stoke City, the team West Ham was scheduled to face, also expressed their sorrow. They released the following statement:
"The thoughts of all at Stoke City are with our colleagues at West Ham United, and we join the Hammers in sending our love and sincere condolences to Oscar’s family and friends at this terribly sad and difficult time."
A Community in Mourning
Oscar Fairs’ death has left a profound impact on the West Ham United community and the wider football world. The club, his family, and his teammates will undoubtedly carry the memory of this brave young goalkeeper for years to come. Our thoughts remain with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry during this incredibly difficult time.
"The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time. Rest in peace, brave Oscar."
