Tributes have poured in for a much-loved local footballer who tragically died after entering the River Thames near Swindon.
William "Will" Coker, 23, was reported missing after getting into difficulty in the water near Buscot Lock, close to Faringdon, on the evening of Saturday, 12th July. His body was recovered the following day, after an extensive search operation led by Thames Valley Police.
While police initially withheld his full identity, it has now been confirmed that the man who died was Will Coker, a footballer well known to the local sporting community. Will had played for both Calne Town FC and Highworth Town FC, earning a reputation as a committed and positive presence on and off the pitch.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by family friend Otis Lewis to support Will’s family and cover funeral costs has raised over £4,500 in under 24 hours.
In a heartfelt statement, Highworth Town manager Paul Braithwaite said: “I’ve known Will now for the past three seasons. He always attended our preseason sessions 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 this season was back with us, applying himself in his usual hardworking manner—with a huge smile on his face.
“It was only last Saturday he was playing against his ex-reserve teammates. It’s so sad that only seven days later we receive this tragic news.”
Braithwaite described Will as a “quiet but super polite and respectful lad who loved football so much.” Highworth Town FC will hold a two-minute silence in his memory at their upcoming friendly match against Devizes Town on Tuesday.
Calne Town FC, where Will played in the reserve team for five years, also issued a tribute: “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. He has been taken far too early.”
Emergency services were called to Buscot Lock on Saturday evening after reports that a man had entered the water and failed to resurface. A search lasting over 12 hours was carried out before Will’s body was found on Sunday. Police have confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Will’s passing has left a deep impact on those who knew him, with friends, teammates and the wider football community expressing their grief and sharing memories on social media.
Anyone wishing to support Will’s family can donate to the fundraiser via GoFundMe, titled “In Memory of Will Coker”
Photo credit Calne Town Football Club
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