Bristol Rovers ‘deeply saddened’ over death of former academy player

Bristol Rovers have issued a statement following the death of former youth player Takayo Nembhard, who was stabbed to death at the Notting Hill Carnival yesterday (August 29).

Mr Nembhard, also known by his rap name TKorStretch, was at the carnival with his sister and friends, said his manager Chris Patrick who confirmed the 21-year-old from Bristol was the victim of the fatal attack this morning.

Th young man was best known for his music. He had more than 300,000 plays on one of his songs on Spotify and nearly 11,000 monthly listeners. But he was also a talented footballer having been part of the academy at Bristol Rovers from the age of seven to 16.

He was released just five years ago after not getting a scholarship at the club.

Today, the club issued a statement on his death. It said: “Bristol Rovers are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former academy player Takayo Nembhard.

“The club would like to pass on its condolences to Takayo’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

The Metropolitan Police has launched a murder investigation following Mr Nembhard’s death. Officers were called to reports of a stabbing under the Westway flyover in Ladbroke Grove at about 8pm on Monday.

First aid treatment was given to Mr Nembhard and he was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was “sickened” by the stabbing. He said: “Violence has no place on our streets and we are doing everything in our power to root it out.”