Manchester United player Wes Brown's pregnant sister has died - the second tragedy to hit his family this year.
Claire Fallows, 36, the defender's half-sister, passed away in hospital over the weekend.
It is thought she had a history of heart problems and had collapsed twice in the last week.
Brown has been trying to get over the death of his father Bancroft in February.
The 28-year-old, who is also an England international, learnt of her death during a pre-season tour with United in South Africa.
The club say he had been given the option of returning home but would be staying with his teammates.
However, it is not known if Brown will play against Orlando Pirates in Durban tomorrow.
It is reported the footballer did not know about his "secret sister" until five years ago.
A family friend told The Sun: "Wes had only just got to know Claire and now he has lost her.
"She was a down-to-earth girl who was not bothered that he was a Premiership footballer. She was more interested in the fact that she had found her brother."
Mrs Fallows, who worked in Asda, leaves a husband Tom and three sons aged one, 13 and 16.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK...ning+Death+Of+Pregnant+Sister+Claire+Fallows+
Claire Fallows, 36, the defender's half-sister, passed away in hospital over the weekend.
It is thought she had a history of heart problems and had collapsed twice in the last week.
Brown has been trying to get over the death of his father Bancroft in February.
The 28-year-old, who is also an England international, learnt of her death during a pre-season tour with United in South Africa.
The club say he had been given the option of returning home but would be staying with his teammates.
However, it is not known if Brown will play against Orlando Pirates in Durban tomorrow.
It is reported the footballer did not know about his "secret sister" until five years ago.
A family friend told The Sun: "Wes had only just got to know Claire and now he has lost her.
"She was a down-to-earth girl who was not bothered that he was a Premiership footballer. She was more interested in the fact that she had found her brother."
Mrs Fallows, who worked in Asda, leaves a husband Tom and three sons aged one, 13 and 16.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK...ning+Death+Of+Pregnant+Sister+Claire+Fallows+
