Former Aston Villa defender Jlloyd Samuel has reportedly died in a car crash.

The horrific news went viral this afternoon just hours before Aston Villa’s play-off semi final second leg with Middlesbrough.

Samuel made over 240 appearances for Bolton wonders and Aston Villa and was capped twice at the international level for Trinidad and Tobago.

The news was officially confirmed in a statement from Trinidad and Tobago FA, who described how his ‘vehicle caught fire’ after a collision in England.

The statement read: “We’ve received some terrible news that former National defender and Ex-Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers player Jlloyd Samuel died in a car crash this morning in England.

“According to reports, Jlloyd was returning home after dropping his kids off to school and collided with an oncoming vehicle.

“His vehicle caught fire and his body was discovered burnt.

“The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and his former national teammates at this time extends deepest condolences to his family members both in the UK and here in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Aston Villa tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former player Jlloyd Samuel at the age of just 37 in a car accident.

“Our players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect tonight and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very difficult time.”

While Bolton’s official account tweeted: “Everybody associated with Bolton Wanderers Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former defender, Jlloyd Samuel.

“Rest in peace, Jlloyd. Our deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”