Former Premier League star dies aged 49 as tributes pour in
Chris Bart-Williams (left) has died at the age of 49
PA
Former Premier League star Chris Bart-Williams has died at the age of 49.
Sheffield Wednesday confirmed on Monday night that the midfielder had passed away in the United States, where he was a coach and mentor.
"Sheffield Wednesday are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Chris Bart-Williams, aged just 49," they said on Twitter.
Bart-Williams started his career at Leyton Orient before moving to the Owls back in 1991.
Chris Bart Williams pictured during his days at Nottingham Forest
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He would proceed to make more than 100 appearances for the club prior to joining Forest in 1995.
Bart-Williams was hugely popular during his time at the City Ground, scoring more goals than club icon Trevor Francis - who died the same day.
Francis' own passing was confirmed on Monday as well, with the two-time European Cup winner dying at the age of 69.
After more than 200 appearances for Forest, Bart-Williams then went on to have stints with Charlton and Ipswich Town.
Forest said they were 'deeply saddened' by the death of their former midfielder.
And they also said: "Our thoughts go out to Chris' family and friends at this truly difficult time."
Mark Bright, who played alongside Bart-Williams, also paid tribute by saying: "To know him was to love him, sending love to his family, friends and former team-mates."
Ex-Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman said: "Devastating day, to hear the news of Trevor Francis passing and my former team-mate Chris Bart Williams, both taken so soon, RIP Trevor and Chris."
Mark Crossley, a former team-mate of Bart Williams, said: "I'm so upset to hear the news of Trevor Francis passing and my former team mate Chris Bart Williams, both so young, it is so sad , RIP Trevor and Chris."
And Darren Bent said: "RIP My former team mate (sic) Chris Bart-Williams, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
Bart-Williams helped Forest win the Football League First Division back in 1998.
He was part of the Sheffield Wednesday side that were runners-up in the League Cup and FA Cup in 1993.
And he also starred for England at youth level, helping them finish third at the FIFA World Youth Championships that same year.
Bart-Williams also won two individual accolades.
He was named Forest's Player of the Year in 2001 after shining for the club that year.
And he also picked up the PFA Fans' Player of the Year award as well.
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Tributes are pouring in for Chris Bart-Williams following his death at the age of 49
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Overall, Bart-Williams made 504 appearances and scored 65 goals.
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