A coroner ruled Liverpool fan as 97th Hillsborough victim after he passed away

Liverpool fan dies 32 years after Hillsborough disaster as coroner rules Andrew Devine as 97th victim.

The harrowing incident saw 96 men, women and children lose their lives in a crush on the Leppings Lane terraces at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium.

Mr Devine’s family welcomed the conclusion of coroner Andre Rebellos that he was unlawfully killed.

The family said on Wednesday evening: “Our collective devastation is overwhelming but so too is the realisation that we were blessed to have had Andrew with us for 32 years since the Hillsborough tragedy.

“We welcome the conclusion of the coroner, Mr Andre Rebello, made today at Liverpool Coroner’s Court, that Andrew was unlawfully killed, making him the 97th fatality of the tragic events that occurred on April 15, 1989.

“In the intervening years, Andrew has been a much loved son, brother and uncle. He has been supported by his family and a team of dedicated carers, all of whom devoted themselves to him.

“As ever, our thoughts are with all of those affected by Hillsborough. We would ask that our privacy is respected at this sad time.”

Liverpool also released a statement of their own, which read: “Liverpool Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Andrew Devine, who died yesterday at the age of 55.

“A lifelong Liverpool supporter, Andrew continued to attend matches at Anfield when possible despite suffering life-changing injuries at Hillsborough on April 15, 1989. In doing so he defied expectations that he would not survive for six months after the tragedy.

Rest in peace, Andrew Devine. 

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 29, 2021

“At an inquest held in Liverpool today, it was ruled that Andrew was unlawfully killed as a result of the disaster, providing a further tragic reminder of the toll that Hillsborough continues to take on all affected by it.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Andrew’s family and his carers.

“It should also be noted that Andrew’s family have appealed for privacy and we would urge that this request is respected.”