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The Express Gazette
Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Son Reflects on Father's Tragic Death and Lingering Claims of Survival

Lakyle Samuel speaks about the profound impact of his father Jlloyd Samuel's death and the persistent, extraordinary claims that he is still alive.

US Politics • 3 hours ago
Son Reflects on Father's Tragic Death and Lingering Claims of Survival

Lakyle Samuel is reflecting on the life and death of his father, Jlloyd Samuel, a former professional footballer whose life was tragically cut short in a fireball car crash in 2018. The younger Samuel carries the weight of his father's legacy and the unsettling persistence of extraordinary claims that Jlloyd is still alive.

"I just try to block it out," Lakyle Samuel stated, referring to the theories that continue to circulate about his father's fate. Jlloyd Samuel, who played for Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers, died at the age of 37. The crash occurred when his car collided with a BMW and a Range Rover, bursting into flames.

The son, himself a footballer on loan at Exeter City from Manchester City, has spoken about the difficulty of grappling with his father's absence and the persistent speculation surrounding his death. Lakyle Samuel is striving to forge his own path in the sport, aiming to make his first-team debut for Manchester City.

Lakyle Samuel is on loan at Exeter City from Manchester City

Jlloyd Samuel's career saw him represent England at three youth levels before switching his international allegiance to Trinidad and Tobago in 2009. He received a single senior call-up for England in 2004.

Jlloyd represented England at three youth levels and received a lone senior call-up in 2004, before switching allegiances to Trinidad and Tobago in 2009

Throughout his interview, Lakyle Samuel paid tribute to his mother, Emma, highlighting her support.

Throughout our interview, Lakyle pays tribute to his ‘amazing’ mum Emma (left)

Lakyle's personal loss is described as one that touches many in their lifetime, but strikes few in such a shattering manner. The lingering claims about his father's survival add another layer of complexity to an already profound grief.

Lakyle’s loss is one that touches many in their lifetime, but strikes few in such shattering fashion

Jlloyd Samuel also had a second wife, fashion designer Helia Sahimi, in Iran, and had converted to Islam.

Jlloyd took a secret second wife in Iran, fashion designer Helia Sahimi, and converted to Islam


Sources