Former footballer Marvin Brown has died aged 42.
The ex-Bristol City star and England youth international was receiving end-of-life care after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of terminal cancer earlier this month.
Brown suffered from cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile duct. He had been diagnosed with a number of different medical conditions previously, including ulcerative colitis, rare liver disease sclerosing cholangitis, and was treated for colon cancer in 2022.
As per, Brown was therefore not eligible for life insurance, and in the wake of news of his terminal illness, a GoFundMe page was set up for his wife Alexis and the couple’s two daughters, with donations climbing beyond £65,000.
Bristol City wrote on X: ‘We were saddened to hear of the passing of Marvin Brown aged 42.
‘Marvin joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and went on to become the club’s youngest player, aged just 16 years and 71 days in September 1999.
Former footballer Marvin Brown has died aged 42 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer
The former Bristol City and England star enjoyed a journeyman career in English football
‘While at the club, Marvin featured for England Under-16s and Under-17s before moving on to Forest Green Rovers in 2004.’
His brother, Aaron, wrote on Instagram: ‘Today I said goodbye to my little brother and my best friend, Marvin.
‘Your fight is finally over, and while I find some peace knowing you’re no longer in pain, my heart is shattered without you here. Life will never be the same.
‘You were everything a brother could ever hope for – kind, calm, ambitious, thoughtful, and always putting others before yourself.
‘You had this rare gift of making people feel seen, cared for, and loved. You made every room brighter just by being in it. We will miss your laugh and witty one liners.
‘I’ll love you forever, until we meet again, bro.’
Supporters of the family had also organised a charity football match at Bath City’s Twerton Park at the start of November to help raise money for Brown.
He had a journeyman career in the English game, turning out for Bristol City, Torquay United, Cheltenham Town, Forest Green Rovers, Tamworth, Yeovil Town, Weston-super-Mare, Salisbury City, Truro City, and Chippenham Town.
Brown also founded the Total Pro Soccer coaching company and earned his UEFA A Licence.
