Rhys Bennett: Man United starlet announces tragic news of his dad’s passing by suicide | OneFootball

Manchester United youngster Rhys Bennett took to social media on Monday and announced the heartbreaking news of his father’s death by suicide.

Bennett posted photos of his father alongside a statement which read, “Dad, I never thought I’d have to write this so soon, over the weekend I found out that he’d took his own life.”

“Broken, devastated, just don’t want to believe it’s real but the sad reality is that it is, from driving me here, there and everywhere as a kid to watching me fulfil my dream of becoming a professional footballer.”

“I love you in this life and the next. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, please speak up, you don’t realise how much you are truly loved.

Bennett attached phone numbers for charities and organisations that provide support for people struggling with suicidal thoughts.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rhys Bennett (@rhysbennett66)

Bennett’s sister, Megan, also shared a message on social media, opening up on the tragic reason behind their father’s passing.

Megan wrote, “I am sharing my dad’s story and my experience as his daughter to add to the important discourse around mental health awareness.”

“Anyone who knows me knows I’ve worked in mental health care for the last four years and this passion has been driven through lived experience with my dad.”

“Over the weekend, I lost my dad to suicide. This is the result of a lifelong battle of depression and alcoholism (addiction issues often come hand in hand with mental health issues unfortunately).”

She added, “The pain that myself and my family is left in is pure devastation. Unfortunately my dad was unable to see the extent to which he was loved. If you are ever in a position where you are doubting how loved you are, remember you are worthy and you are loved even if you can’t see it.”

“I am sharing this in case this is someone’s sign. Dad, I will love you forever.”

“I believe my dad was stuck in a cycle feeling trapped by negative feelings and using alcohol to numb these feelings. Unfortunately when we use such strategies we can’t make progress and we can’t break the cycle.”

“This is your sign if you’re struggling to get help, there’s always a way out, there’s always a person’s shoulder to lean on, and remember there are services and groups you can also lean on for support. You never have to do it alone.”

Samuel Luckhurst of The Sun reports that United are providing pastoral care for Bennett as he comes to terms with the devastating loss.

Bennett has been given compassionate leave by the club.

The 21-year-old captained the United team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2022. He scored in the final against Nottingham Forest.

He played for the United first team during their 2024 pre-season tour of the United States.

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