A lifelong Liverpool FC supporter who was tragically shot dead while visiting his family in the USA was honoured by fellow fans at the club's biggest game of the season. Benjamin Tucker died in the early hours of Sunday, April 24, after being shot at a convenience store in the US state of Georgia.
The 27-year-old, originally from Hampshire and living in London, had journeyed to the USA to see family for a month when he lost his life. Another man, Henry McDonough, 32, was shot but survived and US citizen Georgiamae Lawrence, 28, has been charged with murder.
Friend Josh Bothe, 27, had called on fellow supporters to celebrate Ben's life with a round of applause during the 28th minute of the Liverpool v Villarreal match last night at Anfield, reports the LiverpoolECHO.
In a tribute to Ben, his family described him as a "smart, loyal and funny man." They said: "On Saturday 24rd April 2022, a dear son, brother and friend was cruelly taken from us. Benjamin Tucker, aged 27, was randomly shot dead in Savannah, USA, whilst visiting his family. Ben was a lifelong Liverpool fan based in London and loved the club immensely.
"As a show of solidarity to his family, we plan to celebrate the life of Ben Tucker by applauding during the 28th minute of the Liverpool v Villarreal game. Please stand by his family and friends by joining us with the minute's applause.
"Ben was a smart, loyal and funny man. He was always there making others around him happier whether it be through laughter or care. You’ll Never Walk Alone Ben."
Since sharing the details on social media, Josh said his message had been retweeted by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson, Anfield legend Jamie Carragher and YouTube star KSI. Josh told the ECHO: "It's a show of support to the family, they're also big Liverpool fans, in particular his brother. It's a little gesture to show the family that we are thinking of them."
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
