Chelsea supporters have paid an emotional tribute to Jamal Edwards MBE, following the tragic death of the 31-year-old.
Jamal, who founded online music and culture platform SB.TV in 2006, passed away following a short illness with tributes flooding in for the inspirational entrepreneur.
The death of Edwards was met with shock and grief from Chelsea, the club he supported throughout his life.
A statement from Chelsea, accompanied by a photo of Jamal at Stamford Bridge, read: "We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jamal Edwards.
"An inspiration to many, we're honoured that he was part of our Chelsea family.
"Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him."
Several members of Thomas Tuchel's squad paid tribute to Jamal, including Trevoh Chalobah, who he conducted an interview with to mark Black History Month just last October.
They discussed the fledgling star’s thoughts on becoming a role model for young black African footballers and on Sunday night posted a picture of the chat with the caption: "RIP brother Jamal Edwards, lost for words."
England and Chelsea star Mason Mount shared an image of Jamal sporting a Chelsea shirt and kissing the club's badge, on his Instagram story.
Mount accompanied the image with: "Always showed me so much love and support, proper Chels! You will be truly missed, RIP Jamal Edwards."
Chelsea supporters wanted to come up with a fitting tribute and decided on a minute’s applause after 31 minutes of their Champions League last-16 tie with Lille at Stamford Bridge.
All four sides of the stadium rose to their feet to salute the pioneer, who along with many others, was credited with launching the careers of stars like Ed Sheeran, Dave and Skepta.
There were also chants of "Jamal Edwards, he's one of our own" sung from the Matthew Harding Stand behind the goal.
Born in Luton before growing up on an estate in Acton, West London, he became friends with some of the UK's top home-grown artists.
Jamal founded SB.TV at a time when the UK grime scene was just beginning to make waves.
He received an MBE at the tender age of 23 for his services to music and was also known for his charitable services and for founding a series of London youth clubs in 2020.
Jamal’s mother, Brenda Edwards, a regular panellist on ITV's Loose Women paid tribute to her son in a statement released on the show’s official Twitter account.
Brenda Edwards wrote: “It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanisha, and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the centre of our world.
“As we come to terms with his passing, we asked for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss. I would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support. Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PhD.”
