Villa fan dies at the wheel after 2-2 draw with Arsenal

Jan 1 2009 by Edward Chadwick, Birmingham Mail

A LIFELONG Aston Villa fan dropped dead at the wheel of his car as he drove home from a nerve-jangling Boxing Day match.

Ray Callow died with his family in his car just yards from Villa Park after seeing Martin O’Neill’s side draw 2-2 with Arsenal.

The 68-year-old grandfather was thought to have suffered a heart attack or blood clot as he made his way through traffic to a party after seeing his beloved team equalise in injury-time.

Mr Callow’s heartbroken wife of 43 years, Linda, aged 63, said: “I’m pleased he went after a lovely Christmas and watching the Villa because I know he was happy but I feel cheated that I didn’t get to spend longer with him.

“It happened in less than 10 seconds. He asked me to put the radio on in the car and when I looked up again and saw the traffic was moving, he was gone.

“All the fans in the street rushed to help when they realised there was something wrong and I want to thank them but there was nothing anybody could do.