The name of the 97th Hillsborough victim, Andrew Devine, has been added to Anfield’s memorial to those unlawfully killed in the tragedy.
Mr Devine died last year as a result of the injuries he suffered in the disaster.
Liverpool coroner Andre Rebello ruled that, like the other 96 innocent men, women and children who lost their lives due to the events of April 15, 1989, Mr Devine had been unlawfully killed.
READ MORE: Mum in double Hillsborough tragedy on what must happen now after 'Anne'
Mr Devine died in July, aged 55, more than 32 years after he was injured at Liverpool’s FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest.
He was 22 at the time and initially given just three months to live.
Instead he defied expectations and continued to attend Liverpool games with the support of his carers.
During the parade that followed Liverpool’s Champions League success in 2019, the team bus even made a detour to the Devines' house where James Milner held the trophy over the side of the bus for Mr Devine to see.
Following his death, his family paid a touching tribute.
They said: “It is with great sadness and a sense of immense loss that we can confirm that Andrew Devine passed away yesterday at the premature age of 55.
“Our collective devastation is overwhelming but so too is the realisation that we were blessed to have had Andrew with us for 32 years since the Hillsborough tragedy.
“We welcome the conclusion of the coroner, Mr Andre Rebello, made today at Liverpool Coroner’s Court, that Andrew was unlawfully killed, making him the 97th fatality of the tragic events that occurred on April 15, 1989.
“In the intervening years, Andrew has been a much loved son, brother and uncle. He has been supported by his family and a team of dedicated carers, all of whom devoted themselves to him.
“As ever, our thoughts are with all of those affected by Hillsborough.”
His death sparked poignant tributes, including at Liverpool’s opening game of the 2021/2022 season against Burnley. A minute’s silence was held, a mosaic depicting the number 97 was created on The Kop and captain Jordan Henderson laid a wreath dedicated to Mr Devine before kick off.
In December he was given the Freedom of Liverpool, leading his mum Hilary to declare: “It's an honour from this city. For us it means he is remembered and that is what makes it important to us.”
At Anfield, 96 Avenue was renamed 97 Avenue and, today, Mr Devine’s name was added to the disaster memorial.
His name has previously been added to the memorial at the club's AXA Training Centre while the 'Anfield Forever' stones located on 97 Avenue are also to be updated in the coming weeks, Liverpool FC said.
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