The sporting world has been deeply saddened by the unfortunate news of the untimely passing of Gemma Wiseman, a former England footballer known for her deep admiration of David Beckham and her numerous accomplishments representing Great Britain. The 33-year-old athlete’s lifeless body was discovered in woodland near Norwich on December 16, just days before Christmas, sending shockwaves throughout the community.
Wiseman’s notable achievements include guiding Britain to a third-place finish at the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships, a shared triumph with her long-time partner, Laura Wiseman, who later became her wife. The couple was blessed with a three-year-old daughter named Allie.
An inquest into Wiseman’s death was officially opened on Thursday at the Norfolk Coroner’s Court, with the reported medical cause of death being “constriction of neck structures”. A subsequent hearing has been scheduled for July 29 to further investigate the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing.
In response to the loss, close friends and family members initiated a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Wiseman’s funeral. The campaign has received an overwhelming response, with donations exceeding £8,000. A statement posted on the fundraising page described Wiseman as a compassionate individual with a great sense of humour, highlighting her ability to effortlessly connect with others and spread positivity. The heartfelt message also appealed for contributions to honour Wiseman with a dignified farewell, underscoring the deep impact her passing has had on her loved ones.
Taking to social media, Laura Wiseman expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and encouraged others to seek help if they were struggling to cope with the devastating news. In a poignant message, she stated, “It’s OK to not be OK xx.”
In addition to her impressive football career, Gemma Wiseman worked as a dedicated teaching assistant while continuing to pursue her passion for the sport by representing multiple local clubs. Her sporting achievements include clinching the bronze medal at the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships in Italy and securing a third-place finish at the 2013 Deaflympics in Bulgaria, in addition to aiding England to a similar position at the 2011 European Football Championships.
In an interview with the Norfolk Football Association, Wiseman emphasized the importance of women having role models in the world of football. She particularly credited David Beckham as her ultimate inspiration and encouraged aspiring female athletes to pursue their passion wholeheartedly, echoing the sentiment that dedication and self-belief could lead to achieving dreams against all odds.
The sports community mourns the loss of Gemma Wiseman, a remarkable athlete whose impact on the world of football will forever be celebrated. Her legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the invaluable impact of passion, perseverance, and unwavering determination in the pursuit of excellence.