TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Leeds United’s most loyal fans, whose sudden death aged just 26 has left his family devastated.
Leeds Metropolitan University law graduate Rory Embling, of Ackworth near Pontefract, died on Saturday afternoon – soon after falling ill and collapsing while talking about the club.
Mr Embling, who worked as a paralegal for Heptonstalls Solicitors in Pontefract, was a lifelong Leeds United supporter and season ticket holder.
His family said he had a vast knowledge of the club and watched the majority of United’s pre-season friendly matches this year. Mr Embling’s father Chris, 59, said: “Leeds United was a big part of Rory’s life. I would call him Leeds United’s biggest fan.
“He only missed one home game in the last 20 years, and that was because of wedding. He recently attended the Leeds United awards dinner where he met Massimo Cellino, Brian McDermott and a lot of the players.”
Mr Embling’s friend Martin Sixsmith, 26, of Pontefract was driving the pair to a WWE wrestling event at Nottingham Arena on Saturday afternoon when his friend collapsed close to Woodall Services on the M1 near Sheffield.
He was taken to hospital in Chesterfield where he was pronounced dead.
Tributes have been paid on Facebook, including one from Mr Embling’s sister Francesca, 23. who wrote: “I love you so much Rory. I will miss you every second of every day.”
Mr Embling was a former student at Crofton High School, Wakefield, and New College, Pontefract. His mother Anne, 55, said: “I just want to say how much I loved him and how proud I was of him. My life will never be the same again without him.”
Comments are closed.