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Living the dream and wiped out by some moron - RIP.X
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/familys-tribute-to-london-football-coach-killed-in-crash-in-us-with-pickup-truck-which-was-heading-the-wrong-way-down-a-motorway-10259785.html
An “outstanding” football coach from London who helped to inspire a generation of women players in the US has been killed in a tragic road crash.
Peter Underwood, a 31-year-old father of two young children, died when his car crashed head-on with a pick-up truck going the wrong way on a main interstate road in Iowa.
His family were today flying out to America to join a memorial service being held in his honour at the University of Nebraska, where he coached the women’s soccer programme.
Mr Underwood was driving east along the I80 through Cass County - where he had been on a visit scouting for new talent - on Saturday morning when he collided with the truck which had strayed onto the wrong side of the road.
The avid Charlton Athletic supporter, whose children are aged two and six months, was pronounced dead at the scene.
State police said that the driver of the pick-up truck, who is expected to be charged over the crash, was airlifted to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Mr Underwood was brought up by his single father Robert in Eltham before going to America in 2002 to study Sports Psychology and coach football. He became the youngest person ever to earn the prestigious UEFA A coaching badge.
His father Robert Underwood, 62, a retired teacher and builder who lives on Archery Road, Eltham, described him as “the nicest, most easy-going, just plain likeable person”.
He added: “Everyone liked Peter and he got on with everyone - adults and children alike.
“He just never stopped. He just loved working with people and coaching and coached at all levels - summer schools for kids, high schools and college.”
Mr Underwood Sr said: “It comes and goes, there are times when I can’t talk, there are times when I can. I suppose it will hit home when I arrive in the States.”
He said that Peter’s wife Austin, who he met after moving to America, was “distraught”. Their two children - daughter Lyla, two and six month-old son Jude - are too young to understand what had happened.
Peter’s English family, including his father, sister and brother-in-law, will attend a memorial service to be be held at the University’s Lincoln campus tomorrow.
Peter’s funeral, will take place in Austin’s home town of Ironton, Ohio, on Friday.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology from Concord University in West Virginia in 2006, before gaining a Master’s degree in athletic administration from Marshall University, also in West Virginia - when he met his wife - and going into coaching full time.
John Walker , the University of Nebraska’s football head coach, said: “Peter was outstanding in all that he did.
“As a coach, his potential was limitless. His creativity, attention to detail, passion for learning and teaching style was the best I have been around during my years in coaching.”
The University of Nebraska’s Director of Athletics, Shawn Eichorst, described Peter as “a beacon of positive light”.
Players and coaches who worked with Mr Underwood praised him as an inspirational and successful coach who helped the Nebraska women’s team, known as the Huskers, to two titles in the 2013 season, losing just one match.
Kylie Greischar wrote on Twitter: “All of our success was a direct reflection of Peter Underwood’s passion for life and soccer. He made me a better player and a better human.”
Sydney Miramontez added: “I feel so honored to of played for and been taught by a coach of such passion and knowledge. Peter Underwood will always be remembered.”
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