It breaks my heart to read these wonderful tributes to a very special young man and how I wish they were not necessary.

I knew Jonah for several years as one of his coaches and hopefully a mentor too but he will forever have a place in my heart.

As I advance in years, the number of young people I have coached runs into many thousands.

Jonah or Big J was quite simply one of my favorites of all time. He made me smile so many times. His big cheesy grin (see my photograph below) and his wit were legend. But for sure could he play soccer, lead and inspire his team-mates.

His goofiness was ever-present, but it could never mask his intelligence or his desire to succeed. Rare indeed was it that an opponent got by Jonah, and if he ever did, it sure didn’t happen twice.

The pain I feel at the loss of Jonah cannot even begin to compare to the loss felt by his family and my heartfelt love and best wishes go to you all.

Jonah, you were unique and I loved knowing you. I will never forget you and most certainly there will never be another quite like you.