A young County Durham referee killed in a suspected hit-and-run in Florida has been remembered by the football community as a “genuine, nice lad” who was “taken far too early”.
Brandon Grimes, 26, from Seaham, was on holiday with a friend when a Ford Edge SUV hit him and fled, according to US media.
He was trying to cross the US192 highway on International Drive in Kissimmee, around 20 miles south of Orlando, in the early hours of Friday, September 26, Florida Highway Patrol said.
Brandon Grimes was a grassroots referee for the Durham County Football Association on the weekends (Image: FAMILY)
Durham County Football Association chief executive John Topping said Brandon was an “up and coming referee” who regularly officiated grassroots matches.
He said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of our referees, Brandon Grimes.”
“Brandon was an up and coming referee and regularly officiated in matches throughout the grassroots game. He will be a big miss to the game, especially to the referee fraternity.
"Our thoughts at this sad time are with all his family and friends.
Seaham Red Star FC said Brandon was a “much-loved local lad” and a familiar face at games as both referee and assistant referee.
A Seaham Red Star FC spokesperson said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brandon Grimes, a much-loved local lad who died in tragic circumstances while on holiday in the USA.
"Brandon was a familiar and well-respected face around local football, having officiated as both a referee and assistant referee at many Seaham Red Star games over the years. His contribution to local football, and the memories he created with players, officials and supporters, will never be forgotten.
"Before today’s away fixture against Alnwick Town, a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect for Brandon. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who knew him at this incredibly difficult time."
Brandon Grimes, 26, from Seaham was killed in a suspected hit-and-run while on holiday in Florida (Image: FAMILY)
Grangetown Boys Club described Brandon as a “very good match official” and said it would hold a minute’s silence in his memory.
A Grangetown Boys Club spokesperson said: “We learned tonight, with profound sadness, of Brandon Grimes’s tragic death.
"Brandon was well respected within the local football community and a very good match official.
"Everyone at Grangetown Boys Club would like to send our deepest condolences to Brandon’s family, friends and all those who knew him during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our thoughts are with you all. As a mark of respect to Brandon, there will be a minute’s silence on Friday night before kick-off.”
4Louis Football Club said Brandon had volunteered to referee many of its charity games.
“Everyone connected to the charity sends heartfelt condolences to Brandon Grimes’s family," they said.
“Brandon was a popular lad and supporter of the charity, where his two brothers, Dan and Kane, are active members of our family.
"Brandon gave up his time to referee many 4Louis fc games and we all want to offer our unconditional support to his family in this horrible time. RIP Brandon."
Velocity Juniors also paid tribute to Brandon, who had refereed its games for several years.
Brandon Grimes, 26, was described as 'funny, caring and generous' and the 'life and soul of the party' (Image: FAMILY)
According to The Referee Forum, Brandon was a familiar face in the refereeing community who attended numerous Sunderland Referees’ Association meetings.
Shotton Colliery FC remembered Brandon as a “genuine, nice lad” who was “taken far too early”.
They said: "As many will have seen over the weekend the tragic news about Brandon Grimes.
"Brandon officiated us on many occasions, always a good lad to have at the games, up for a bit crack down at the club after, just a genuine, nice lad taken far too early.
"Any donations giving to help his family out to get him back would be greatly appreciated. Thoughts are with his family & friends in this terrible time. RIP Brandon."
David said Brandon lived with his nana and grandad and adored his nieces, brothers and sisters.
David described him as “funny, caring, generous” and the “life and soul of the party”.
"He loved to dance, god he so loved to dance," David said.
"He had a quirky sense of humour that not everyone got but he did get on with everyone.
"We just had so many plans."
David said the couple had been together since February and planned trips to New York in the New Year and Gran Canaria after visiting Malaga in July.
Brandon worked as a warehouse assistant at Durham firm Workwear Express, which donated £1,000 to the GoFundMe appeal to bring him home.
David said the football community’s support has been overwhelming.
He said: “The support has just been absolutely overwhelming. We are eternally grateful to everyone who has donated and shared tributes to Brandon, including all of the footballing community.
“It just goes to show how loved he was. It’s amazing. He was so respected in what he did.
“Liverpool Football Club was also his club. He lived and breathed football. I sometimes joked I came second to it all.”
“It was his absolute life’s passion and he loved his weekends refereeing.
“We are all utterly devastated and will forever miss that infectious smile.”
Florida Highway Patrol said Brandon was trying to cross US192 when he was hit by a westbound driver.
Brandon was not at a marked crossing when the vehicle’s right headlight hit him, according to the FHP.
WESH 2 reported that detectives found car parts at the scene and believe the vehicle may be a 2007 to 2010 Ford Edge with a silver body and black roof.
The vehicle is expected to have damage to its right headlight and bonnet.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Florida Highway Patrol directly or Crimeline.
David said the family faces a bill of £13,000 to £15,000, or potentially more, to bring Brandon home to Seaham.
READ MORE:
- Updates as tributes pour in for much-loved young County Durham referee
- County Durham man killed in Florida hit-and-run as devastated family pay tribute
David said: “He was on holiday in Florida with a friend, so we are struggling to get information from the US, which is holding things up for us.
“We believe it could cost anywhere between £13,000 and £15,000, or even more, so we want to raise as much as we can because we need him home.
"I know all the family just want him here.
"I can’t face the thought of him being out there on his own. I may have to go over myself if it takes much longer.”
The Northern Echo has contacted Florida Highway Patrol and the British Embassy for comment.