Details emerge on tragic death of beloved Millwall owner John Berylson

Millwall football club have announced via a statement on their website that owner John Berylson has passed away in a “tragic accident” on July 4th 2023.

Per BBC reporting, John Berylson died on the morning of 4th July after crashing into a tree and overturning his car.

Berylson was driving in Falmouth, Massachusetts when he crashed, no other car was involved.

Berylson was alone in his car and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. Police are continuing their investigation into what could have caused the accident.

Berylson first got involved in Millwall in 2006, steering the club through some rocky times and has pushed them towards some of their greatest moments.

Millwall has a long history of passionate fans, which, according to Millwall’s statement, Berylson understood well, “John reveled in the club’s underdog status and mentality. He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters.”

Millwall was close to the playoffs during the 22/23 season, just missing out on the final day of the season, but with Berylson’s astute ownership, they were well set to challenge for a promotion to the Premier League in the coming years.

In Millwall’s statement, the club mentions Berylson’s plans for the future, “John continued to speak eagerly about the new season and his vision for the future”.

For Millwall players and fans, next season has become all the more important, with the chance to honour their beloved honour, with the club stating, “any success moving forward will be in his memory and honour. It will be his legacy.”

Berylson headed a consortium of buyers to invest in Millwall back in 2006 who were at the time a League One club.

In the decade preceding the American’s takeover, Millwall were, at times, on the brink of financial collapse.

Berylson understood the need for a large cash injection into Millwall, with reports suggesting he he injected the club with over £100 million during his time in charge.

Berylson was seen by many as the saviour of Millwall and oversaw multiple promotions whilst in charge. Including their most recent rise into the Championship in 2017, where they have stayed since. A period of stability Millwall hadn’t seen for some time previously.

Former Millwall right-back Alan Dunne said, “My deepest condolences to not only my chairman for many years but also friend.”

Millwall’s cross-London rivals West Ham United have put aside their footballing rivalry, tweeting, “Everyone at West Ham United sends their deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all at @MillwallFC during this tragic time.”

By all accounts, Berylson was a man of principle who used his wealth for good causes, setting up the Amy Smith and John G. Berylson Foundation as part of he and his wife’s philanthropic efforts.

Millwall have acted swiftly by opening a book of condolence for fans to sign from the 5th of July, with the plan to give the book to the Berylson family.

A loving family man, Berylson will be survived by his wife Amy and his three children Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth.

Millwall finished off their statement saying, “Rest in peace, John, and thank you. You were loved and adored.”