A bright light has been taken away from the world with the tragic death of St George’s footballer Osagi Bascome, according to club coach Jarreau Hayward.

The St George’s and Bermuda midfielder was stabbed multiple times during an alleged altercation outside Fun Zone in St David’s on Saturday, leaving family, friends and team-mates to mourn the devastating loss.

“Osagi's death has hit us where it hurts the most,” Hayward told The Royal Gazette. “The impact of his untimely passing is as massive as his contribution was while he was alive and thriving in our club and community. He is a brother to us all and he is sorely missed.”

Hayward said the son of national cricket coach Herbie Bascome and great nephew of former government minister Lovitta Foggo was truly special.

“He was so special that if you were with him, you were special,” he added. “If you played next to him in training or in game, he made you play special. He made you feel that way on and off the pitch. We are all that much more special because he walked in and through our lives.

“A bright light has been taken from this dark world, but we hold firm and take some comfort in knowing that his spirit lives through us all.”

The coach described Bascome as a positive example for those around him.

“We could all use a bit of his joy, passion and love of life in our own lives. So we plan on doing exactly that,” said Hayward.

“We truly believe that his light will shine on through his parents, brothers, extended family, his friends, and his team-mates.

“On behalf of the St Georges Colts football team, we'd like to send our sincerest condolences to the Bascome and Foggo family. We love you and we are here for you.

“RIP Osagi. We love you.”

Bascome made what would be his final appearance for St George’s in a 1-0 win over Somerset Eagles in the Premier Division at Wellington Oval on December 5.

The 23-year-old began his career at St George’s before playing youth football at Stoke City in England as well as at Spanish sides Levante and Valencia. He also played at the regional level in Spain for Massanassa.

Bascome returned to England during a brief spell at Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City and also played for Vanarama National League North side Darlington.

Here, he was joined by Bermuda team-mate Justin Donawa, who since moved to Solihull Moors.

“He never knew how much he kept me going at times,” Donawa posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Darlington FC Women opened their match on Sunday with a minute of silence by fans in honour of his memory.

The clubs’s fans plan to further honour the late player with a minute of applause during the team’s Boxing Day game against Spennymoor Town, whose goalkeeper Dale Eve played alongside Bascome with the national team

“The club is devastated to learn of the passing of former player Osagi Bascome,” read a statement by Darlington on their official Twitter account.

“Osagi joined the club in 2019, playing a memorable role in our FA Cup tie at Walsall.

“Everyone from the club’s thoughts are with Osagi’s family and friends.”

Despite making an impact overseas, Bascome’s club career came full circle when he rejoined St George’s after parting company with Darlington by mutual agreement in February 2020.

Bascome also represented Bermuda at youth and senior levels.

He was a member of the island’s squad that competed at the 2017 Concacaf Under-20 Championship in Costa Rica and was also a member of the senior national team, which competed at the Concacaf Gold Cup and Concacaf Nations League in 2019.

St George’s Premier Division fixture against Somerset Trojans, which was scheduled to be played at Wellington Oval on Sunday, was postponed as a result of the incident.

Ernest Peets, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Mark Wade, president of the Bermuda Football Association and several members of the local and international sporting community have paid tribute to the slain footballer.