14-07-2025
Tributes paid to footballer after sudden death as donations pour in
Tributes have been paid to a local footballer who died after entering a river near Swindon and thousands have been raised for his family.
The body of a 23-year-old man named William was found on Sunday, July 13, after he entered the River Thames at Buscot Lock near Faringdon and got into difficulty the previous evening.
While Thames Valley Police did not initially release his full name, they have now confirmed the man was Will Coker after tributes poured in on social media.
Will played football for both Calne Town FC and Highworth Town FC during a burgeoning career.
Both clubs have since paid tribute to Will.
A GoFundMe has also been set up by Otis Lewis to pay for funeral expenses and support Will's family.
It has raised over £4,500 in less than 24 hours.
Will playing for Highworth Town (Image: Highworth Town FC) In a public tribute, Highworth Town manager Paul Braithwaite said: 'I've known Will now for the past three seasons, he always attended our preseason sessions since I've been at the club and pushed himself so hard at every session to try and break into the first team.
'He played a big part in the reserve team under manager Liam Coombley.
'And again this season Will was back in with us applying himself in his usual hard-working manner with a huge smile on his face.
'It was only last Saturday he was playing with us all against his ex-reserve teammates… it's so sad that only seven days later we receive this tragic news.'
Off the pitch, Paul described Will as polite and respectful.
He added: 'Will was a quiet but super polite and respectful lad who loved football so much.
'He won't be forgotten by myself and as a club we will be holding a two-minute silence on Tuesday in our home friendly against Devizes Town.
'Myself and all associated with Highworth Town FC would like to send all our love and condolences to Will's family and friends.'
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A Calne Town spokesperson described Will as someone who was 'liked by everyone.'
They added: 'We are very sad to announce that Will Coker has passed away over the weekend.
'Will was a part of our Reserve team for the last five years.
'Will loved his football, always had a smile on his face, and was liked by everyone.
'Our thoughts are with Will's friends and family at this sad time.
'Will has been taken far too early.'
Police launched an extensive search lasting over 12 hours to try and find Will.
They confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.
