Tyler Fairman, a 26-year-old amateur footballer for Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC, has died several days after being struck by a vehicle during an end-of-season celebration. The incident occurred at approximately 1:12 am on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the Market Place of Arnold, Nottinghamshire.
A red Vauxhall Astra reportedly mounted the curb and struck a group of five people, including Fairman, his manager, and another teammate.
Despite receiving intensive medical care, Fairman succumbed to his injuries on the night of Tuesday, May 12. Nottinghamshire Police have since upgraded the investigation to a murder inquiry.
Duane Anthony, 40, of Bulwell, was arrested shortly after the incident and has been charged with five counts of attempted murder, aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.
Following Fairman’s death, authorities are working with the Crown Prosecution Service to review the charges. Anthony has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on June 8, 2026.
The tragedy has left the local community and football fraternity in mourning.
Fairman was a devoted partner to his girlfriend of eight years, Laraya, an NHS healthcare worker, and a father to a two-year-old son. He was also expecting a second child, a baby girl, due very soon. A fundraiser launched to support his family has already raised over £11,000, with friends describing him as a “heart of gold” who “light up any room he walked into.”
Nottinghamshire Police have urged the public to refrain from speculating online or sharing videos of the incident, as active criminal proceedings are underway.
“We are aware of videos of the incident circulating on social media… we appeal to anyone who has shared or posted any such videos to take them down immediately so that Tyler’s family can grieve in peace,” stated Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow.
