‘An outstanding person’: tributes paid to former Team GB footballer Gemma Wiseman | Women’s football

Tributes have been paid to former Team GB footballer Gemma Wiseman after her loss of life on the age of 33.

Wiseman represented England and Great Britain’s deaf girls’s groups and helped information GB to third place on the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships.

Lady Sue Campbell, FA director of ladies’s football, mentioned: “We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Gemma. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“Gemma was an outstanding person and player who represented England on multiple occasions, including during the 2015 World Deaf Futsal Championship, and she will be greatly missed.”

The Lionesses posted on X: “Rest in peace, Gemma”, adopted by a coronary heart emoji.

Sharon Hirshman, vice-chair of Great Britain Deaf Football (GBDF), paid tribute to her “determination, smiling and laughing nature” which “helped her to become a better player”, in a publish on Facebook.

Wiseman, who had a three-year-old daughter along with her spouse, Laura, was discovered lifeless on 16 December in a woodland on the outskirts of Rackheath, Norwich.

Lucindha Lawson, a teammate of Wiseman’s, posted a tribute to her on Facebook. “She was one of the most wonderful human beings – funny, caring, and truly special,” she wrote.

Lawson added: “Gemma, it was a great privilege to have played beside you, one of the greatest players I’ve known, and to know you as a person.”

Since Wiseman’s loss of life, a GoFundMe web page arrange to assist in direction of funeral prices has raised greater than £11,000.

A press release posted on the location mentioned: “On December 16, 2023, Gemma sadly took her own life. Her family and friends are absolutely devastated.

“Gemma was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humour. Everywhere she went she brought laughter and energy with her and easily made friends with anyone who was lucky enough to meet her.

“Gemma leaves behind her devoted wife, Laura, who also represented Great Britain, and three-year-old daughter who are at a complete loss without her.

“We are kindly asking for donations to help pay for Gemma’s funeral and give her the send-off she truly deserves. So, if you are able to donate anything at all this would be hugely appreciated.”

Wiseman, who labored as a educating assistant alongside her football profession, was additionally a part of groups that got here third on the 2013 Deaflympics in Bulgaria and the European Football Championships in 2011 for Great Britain.

An inquest into her loss of life was opened on Thursday at Norfolk coroner’s courtroom. An extra listening to will happen in July.