After learning of his heartbreaking family tragedy this week, Ryan Reynolds sent a condolence message to Wrexham captain Ben Tozer.
The co-owner of Wrexham AFC expressed his tribute on social media after the soccer player announced the heartbreaking news of his father’s abrupt death two days after he was diagnosed with leukemia.
Ben reported that his father, Keith, was diagnosed on Saturday and underwent successful brain surgery on Sunday. However, he unexpectedly died on Monday at the age of 59.
“On Saturday, I was told my Dad has Leukaemia, but it’s treatable,” the 33-year-old stated in a tweet with the tagline, “Don’t leave it too late!”
“On Sunday night, he needed a brain operation, which went well, then last night, the unthinkable happened,” he said. “Unfortunately, all of this occurred because he waited too long. Unknowingly, he was concealing that he was in excruciating pain.”
“‘Go and get checked,’ we said all the time,” Ben added. “He was simply terrified of what it could be. Thank you very much, Dad. Our final words together will be with me for the rest of my life. I love you. I hope we all made you proud.”
Wrexham Football Club, which Ryan co-owns with actor Rob McElhenney, retweeted Ben’s statement and remark: “So sorry to hear this. Our hearts go out to you and your family.”
Ryan directly responded to Ben’s devastating news, writing, “Gut-wrenching. My heartfelt condolences to the Tozer family.”
This isn’t Ryan’s first experience with heartbreak close to home. Earlier this year, he lamented the death of Wrexham supporter Jay Fear, who died of appendix cancer four months after being diagnosed. He was 45.
Ryan took to Instagram Stories to express his condolences on behalf of himself and his wife, Blake Lively, along with photographs of him, Jay, and his family.
“Rest in peace, Jay Fear.” Ryan posted a shot of himself with his arm around Jay, “One of the bravest, kindest, and most generous people I’ve ever met.” “Thank you for sharing your father with me, Deb, Sam, and Jess.”
Ryan met Jay for the first time in April when the charity Bucket List Wishes arranged a meeting between the two ahead of Wrexham’s victory over Boreham Wood, which saw the team promoted to the Football League for the first time in 15 years.
Ryan admitted to being “choked up” after meeting Jay, noting at the time, “It was incredible to meet Jay. I wonder if I’d feel the same way if our roles were reversed. He is a beautiful person, and his family is even better. I got a little emotional talking to him and realizing how much his children and wife will miss him.”
Jay was overjoyed to see his “idol” and was given a glove from Deadpool. Ryan also planned for him to visit the set of the third film when it was filming, but Jay tragically died before he could.