Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has paid an emotional tribute to Wrexham fan Jay Fear who has died of cancer aged 45.
The touching message comes after Jay met the Deadpool actor in April having been diagnosed with terminal appendix cancer in January.
Southampton-based Fear, who passed away on May 25, became a Wrexham fan after watching the Welcome to Wrexham documentary and falling in love with the club and its new owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Ryan Reynolds pays tribute to Wrexham fan Jay Fear
After receiving the heartbreaking news of Jay Fear’s passing, Ryan Reynolds took to his social media channels to pay tribute to Jay and offer a message of condolence to his family.
“So grateful to have spent time with Jay Fear,” wrote the Canadian in posts on both Twitter and Instagram. “He didn’t have much of it left and the fact he shared that time so freely with others is something I’ll never take for granted and never forget.”
“This man lived,” he added. “Sending all my love to Deb, Jess and Sam.
Jay Fear met Ryan Reynolds a month before his death
In April, Jay Fear and his family, including wife Deb, daughter Jess, and son Sam, were invited to meet Ryan Reynolds in Wrexham as a dying wish for the 45-year-old.
Organised by the charity Bucket List Wishes, Jay was able to meet Ryan and watch on as Wrexham won promotion to the Football League with the team’s 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood.
During their meeting, the Canadian actor presented Jay with a signed glove from his Deadpool suit and also arranged for Jay to visit the set of Deadpool 3 at Pinewood Studios when filming got underway in late May.
Speaking to BBC 5 Live after meeting Ryan Reynolds, Jay Fear said: “They always say you should never meet your idol and this guy is definitely an exception to that.”
In another interview with the BBC, Jay added: “He didn’t make it all about me which is what I enjoyed as well because it’s going to be my family that are going to be having the memories from this.
“So he did spend a bit of time with them, gave them all a hug and chatted with them which was nice.”
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