Devonte Aransibia's family smash fundraiser target in a matter of hours after former Norwich player dies aged 26... as Premier League star gifts £1,000 to GoFundMe page

The GoFundMe donation page set up by Devonte Aransibia's family on Tuesday has achieved its fundraising target in a few hours after they announced that the former Norwich City midfielder has passed away at the age of 26. It is understood that Newcastle defender and his former team-mate Jamal Lewis donated £1,000, with his gift the top donation on the page so far. The money raised past £10,000 on Tuesday afternoon, with a new target of £20,000 now set.

The players met in Norwich City's Under-23 team, where Aransibia made 34 appearances during two years. Aransibia's family set up the page with the following statement: 'It is with heavy hearts that we come together to honour the life of Dev, a loving partner, devoted father, cherished son, and dear friend to so many. 'Dev was the embodiment of kindness and compassion, always ready with a warm smile.

'His infectious laughter and generous spirit brightened every room he entered, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Devonte Aransibia's family page on GoFundMe has achieved its fundraising target of £11,000. Devonte Aransibia (right) has passed away at the age of 26, his family have confirmed. The page smashed past the £10,000 target in hours, with a revised target of £20,000 now set.

His former team-mates Jamal Lewis and Max Aarons have both donated £1,000 and £500, respectively. 'Beyond his loving nature, Dev was a talented footballer whose passion and drive propelled him to great success on the pitch.'. Amy Scott, who appeared to be the player's partner, set up the page, donating £500 with a message reading: 'Dev, the love of my life. You are my guiding light, and I will always hold you close, now and forever. Everything I do is in your honour and I want nothing more than to make you proud, carrying your spirit with me in every step I take. Though I will miss you forever, I know that our love is everlasting.'.

The player's father, meanwhile, wrote a moving message on his own social media: 'Hi guys it's with a sad heart that I am informing you of the passing of my son Devonte. 'He died on Sunday 9th Feb aged 26yrs. Love you son, I don't know what to do without you.'. Friends and former team-mates have been quick to pay tribute to Aransibia, with midfielder Joe Boachie saying: 'I can't believe it. RIP Devonte.' Another former team-mate in Jordan Greenidge added: 'Rest in peace Dev.'.

His former manager at Tonbridge Jay Saunders said: 'It's devastating news. Devonte was just a good person and a very good footballer. 'He was a quiet lad but a real nice kid. I'm just gutted for his family and everyone involved. I'm truly gutted. 'You spend quite a lot of time with these lads and get to know them personally and it's devastating news when you hear something like that. Newcastle's Lewis played for Norwich at the same time as Aransibia, leading to the donation.

Norwich confirmed there would be a tribute paid to Aransibia (left) ahead of their game on Tuesday night. Aransibia's apparent partner, Amy Scott, set up the page and left a heartfelt message. Aransibia's father penned an emotional message on social media to announce the tragic passing of his son. 'He always looked so happy. When he was scoring goals, the smile on his face, I can picture it.'. Sam Cox, former coach at Tottenham and team-mate of Aransibia, posted a number of tributes of his own, saying: 'Such sad news. RIP Devonte,' as well as a message that read: 'Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.'.

He added another photo with Aransibia and his team-mates in a car: 'Shared so many funny moments riding into training. Rest in paradise my brother Devonte. Gone too soon.'. Norwich paid a tribute of their own, announcing that the club will honour the passing of their former youth star ahead of Tuesday night's clash with Preston in the Championship. 'Everyone at Norwich City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former academy player Devonte Aransibia, aged 26. Devonte joined the club's academy setup in 2013, progressing through the youth age groups before departing in 2019.

'Ahead of Tuesday's evening Sky Bet Championship fixture against Preston North End at Carrow Road there will be a period of applause, whilst the club's players and staff will wear black armbands. All at the club pass on our condolences to Devonte's loved ones at this sad time.'. His former Norwich team-mate Max Aarons has also donated to Aransibia's GoFundMe page, sending £500, while other footballers, including Solomon Wanjau-Smith and Michee Efete, also donated.

London-born Aransibia played a key role in Maidstone's memorable FA Cup run last year, which saw them beat Ipswich Town to make the fifth round under manager George Elokobi. Tributes flooded in for Aransibia, with his former Tonbridge manager revealing he 'always looked so happy'. He managed a goal and assist against his future club Chesham in the first round, setting the Stones off on their magical campaign, which came to an abrupt end against Coventry City.