A FIANCÉE has told of her heartache when her “football mad” love of her life collapsed on the pitch and died.

Emergency services battled to save Stuart Hazelgrove, 31, who fell to the ground during a five-a-side match with friends at Chichester College.

They tried in vain to revive him but he was pronounced dead last Monday evening after being rushed to the city’s St Richard’s hospital.

His fiancée Abi Goldsmith said yesterday: “We still don’t know what happened but as soon as I heard, I left to be with him. The emergency services and the staff at the college were amazing. They tried to give him the best possible chance.”

The 26-year-old was due to marry caravan engineer Mr Hazelgrove next year. The pair met online three years ago, moved into a house in Bognor together two years ago and got engaged while travelling in Hong Kong.

Ms Goldsmith said: “We met and quickly and realised we knew quite a few people in common. When he got down on one knee it was amazing. We were getting married in August 2018. I had to cancel all of that yesterday which was very emotional. He was a very competitive boy, he had to win at everything, even boardgames and cards. He was so passionate and football mad - he was absolutely obsessed and a complete Man United fan.

“He also had a massive amount of friends and the most amazing family. He was the life and soul of the party.”

Mr Hazelgrove, who grew up in Yapton, became the first team manager for Hunston Community Football Club two seasons ago alongside his father Michael.

Tributes have been pouring in from fellow players.

Paul Smith, 37, of Selsey, played with him for three seasons in Barnham from 2008 and then joined him again at Hunston.

He said: “He was a privilege to play with. He played the game with his heart on his sleeve, was his own biggest critic and technically one of the best.”

His family are still waiting for answers on what led to his death and are finalising plans for a memorial service.

His sister Kelly McCulloch, 28, of Yapton, said: “Our best memories are of when we were altogether as a family - we were always laughing. We have always been really proud of him. It is really nice to see that others feel the same. The support has been overwhelming.”