Tragedy as inspirational teen Rotherham United fan dies after battling rare form of cancer twice
A teen football fan who has spent years fighting a rare form of cancer has tragically lost his fight for life.
“Owen will be remembered as the beacon of hope that the life that he created for himself represented,” said a spokesperson for Rotherham United FC late last night (November 23) after the news of Owen Jenkinson’s death broke.
The inspirational teen went through much in just a short period of time, getting diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma - a rare form of bone cancer - in 2022.
He bravely battled and beat this first round of cancer, only to find out in February 2024 that the disease had returned.
The life-long Miller was supported by his favourite football club, and even got the chance to go on stage at the Royal Albert Hall with The Courteeners.
Meanwhile, his fellow teammates at junior side AFC Pogmoor, shaved their heads in solidarity with Owen.
However, in a Facebook post at 7.27pm last night, Owen’s mum Andrea sadly announced that the brave teen had passed away/
She wrote: “Our darling boy Owen James Jenkinson closed his eyes at 4.28pm, surrounded by love and prayers and E. L. O playing in the background, we love you to the moon and back night night god bless.”
Tributes poured out in response, including from Owen’s club AFC Pogmoor.
“We are terribly sad to share the news that our U18s player, Owen Jenkinson passed away today after a long battle with cancer,” they wrote.
“Owen was a fantastic football player and was loved by his teammates and coaches. He will forever be remembered.
“We send our love to his incredible family and friends, our U18s boys, and all of Team Jenko.”
In a touching statement released on their website, Rotherham United described Owen as a ‘intelligent young man, a good footballer, a hugely-loved brother, son and friend’.
A spokesperson for the club added: “The Jenkinson messaging from Day One has been consistent. It has been about celebrating the time that we have been lucky enough to enjoy a truly special individual like Owen and that is what we will do.
“The heartfelt condolences and every ounce of love of everyone at Rotherham United and our supporters are with the Jenkinson family and all of Owen’s many friends at this unimaginably difficult time.
“We feel genuinely privileged to have had Owen Jenkinson as a fan of our football club and it goes without saying that we will always be supporters of #TeamJenko.”