EXCLUSIVE Revealed: Millwall club owner John Berylson, 70, was killed in horror car crash after his Range Rover careered off the road and slammed into a tree in US town
- Police in Massachusetts confirmed he was the victim of a ‘single car rollover’
- He died after his car careered off the road and slammed into a tree
Millwall club owner John Berylson died after his car careered off the road and slammed into a tree, MailOnline can reveal.
The Boston-born businessman, 70, was the victim of a ‘single car rollover’ in Falmouth, Massachusetts at around 8am on July 4 and had to be cut from the wreckage using a mechanical device known as the ‘jaws of life’. He was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
It is believed Mr Berylson was driving a 2019 Range Rover when he lost control as he took a corner. The 4×4 then veered off the road, rolled down a steep bank and hit a tree. Photographs taken at the scene by local police and posted on their Facebook page showed the car on its side.
Falmouth Police said the crash on the Sippewissett Road on Independence Day in the US was under investigation.
Lt Michael Simoneau from Falmouth Police told MailOnline: ‘The deceased vehicle operator from the fatal crash on Sippewissett Road on July 4, 2023, has been identified as John G. Berylson, 70, of Wellesley Hills, Ma. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.’
Millwall club had last night issued a statement saying that Mr Berylson had died in a ‘tragic accident’.
Millwall club owner John Berylson died after his car careered off the road and slammed into a tree, MailOnline can reveal
The Boston-born businessman, 70, was the victim of a ‘single car rollover’ in Falmouth, Massachusetts at around 8am on July 4 and had to be cut from the wreckage using a mechanical device known as the ‘jaws of life’
Mr Berylson and his wife Amy are known for their philanthropy giving away millions of dollars each year. Since 2005 the couple have run the Amy Smith and John G Berylson Foundation with grants being awarded to charities and organisations in the state of Massachusetts.
Many of the organisations to benefit are involved in education, including Mr Berylson’s former college Harvard University, Brown University and Birmingham-Southern College. They have also donated money to health related organisations, such as The Joey Fund which helps families who have children suffering from cystic fibrosis The Boston based couple are also trustees of the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation which each year donates $15million ( £12m) to health and educational organisation charities. They have three children, Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth.
Boston-born Mr Berylson was the founder of Chestnut Hill Ventures, a private investment firm.
Officials at the club praised Mr Berylson as a ‘truly great’ man who ‘lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy’ and had ‘presided over some of the greatest moments in Millwall’s history’.
Among those paying tribute were former Millwall right-back Alan Dunne, who made nearly 350 appearances for the team. He said: ‘My deepest condolences to not only my chairman for many years but also friend.
‘John was a gentleman who put Millwall back on the map. What he has done for the club will always be remembered and can only thank him for everything he done for me and MILLWALL.’
Mr Berylson (pictured in May) is survived by his wife Amy and children Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth. The cause of his death is not yet confirmed
The 70-year-old American businessman first became involved with Millwall FC in 2006
A Millwall spokesman said: ‘John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him. He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness.
‘He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people.
‘Under John’s passionate leadership and guidance, Millwall Football Club has enjoyed tremendous success and stability. Since first becoming involved in the club in 2006, he has presided over some of the greatest moments in Millwall’s history, and his influence in providing the platform for those was immeasurable.
‘John continued to speak eagerly about the new season and his vision for the future, and any success moving forward will be in his memory and honour. It will be his legacy.’
The club also announced that a book of condolence will be opened at The Den today.
The Championship club announced the news of Mr Berylson’s death in a statement last night
Their statement continued: ‘John revelled in the club’s underdog status and mentality. He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters. He was fiercely loyal to all his staff, and both they and the fan base will miss him beyond measure.
‘For those who wish to pay their respects, a book of condolence, which will be shared with the Berylson family, will be opened at The Den from 11am on Wednesday 5th July. Those who cannot make it in person to The Den will be able to sign an online book of condolence, which will be available on millwallfc.co.uk in due course.
‘Rest in peace, John, and thank you. You were loved and adored.’
Shortly after investing in the club, Mr Berylson appointed Kenny Jackett as Millwall manager in 2007 before parting company with him in 2013.
Millwall reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup that year before making the quarter-finals in 2017 and 2019.
The club’s most recent promotion to the Championship came in 2017 and they have stayed there since.
Last season Millwall finished in eighth place in the Championship, narrowly missing out on a play-off place on the final day of the season.
Aberdeen’s chief executive Alan Burrows said: ‘Such awful, awful news. The thoughts of everyone at Aberdeen FC are with John’s family, friends and everyone at Millwall FC. RIP.’
The English Football League said: ‘The EFL is shocked and saddened by the news and sends its deepest condolences to John’s family and everyone connected with Millwall.’
And a spokesman for rivals West Ham United said: ‘Everyone at West Ham United sends their deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all at Millwall FC during this tragic time.’
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