He has been described as a “caring, bubbly and absolute gem of a person”.
A 36-year-old dad had died in a tragic incident on a construction site. Tributes have been paid to popular footballer and coach Joe Heath, from Folkestone, Kent, described by his wife as a “caring, bubbly and absolute gem of a person”.
The 36-year-old dad of four was helping build a new logistics centre for COOK Classic in the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne last Wednesday. A fundraising page set up by a friend to support his family and pay for his funeral. His pregnant wife, Amber, wrote: “My Joe, my Husband, my best friend and my absolute world, devastatingly and cruelly got taken from me, providing for our family like he has always done, leaving his four beautiful children and unborn baby behind.
“Anyone that knows Joe will know just how much of a caring, bubbly and absolute gem of a person he is. The best part of me left with him that day and he deserves the very best send off.”
Radnor Park Ladies FC, whom he coached, said: “Everyone at Radnor Park Ladies has been devastated by the tragic loss of our coach and dear friend, Joe Heath. Joe’s unwavering dedication, time, love and passion for this team, week in and week out, brought us closer together: not just as teammates, but as friends.
“Through rain or shine, he was always our strongest supporter; the spark we so often needed, making us laugh, smile, and push ourselves to be better for one another. Joe gave everything to us, and his loss has left a wound that will never truly heal. We are raising funds in his memory, to honour the incredible person he was and to support those he loved most.
“Words will never be enough, Joe. Radnor family forever.”
His Sunday League football club, Saltwood AFC, said they were “devastated”. “A true clubman around Folkestone, he also stood by us at Saltwood through some struggles and cheered us through every win. His impact on this club cannot be overstated,” the club said in a statement. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Teams in the Ashford & District Sunday Football League held a minute’s silence before their matches at the weekend. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been notified following the incident last week and is working with police.
A COOK spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life at the construction site for our new logistics centre. Our thoughts are with the individual’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.
“The relevant authorities and the construction company are continuing their investigations into what happened. We can’t comment further at this time.”
A spokesperson for Winvic Construction said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a fatal incident occurred at our Sittingbourne site on Wednesday, January 21, involving a member of our subcontractor workforce. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the individual’s family, friends, and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.
“We are supporting the relevant authorities, including the HSE, with their investigation into the incident. We are unable to comment further at this time.”
You can donate to help the family cover Joe’s funeral costs here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/simone-hodgkinson
