Town and England legend Terry Butcher’s son Christopher, a former soldier who served in Afghanistan, died yesterday morning aged 35, the family has announced.

In a Facebook post last night Butcher’s other son, Edward, 32, wrote: "It is with the up most sadness that I regret to say that my brother Christopher Butcher has passed away this morning.

"My older brother was the best brother I can ever of asked for and his death has hit the entire family hard. The family are together and we will release the dates of the funeral in due time.

"I wanted to put this on Facebook to inform all who knew him. We know how greatly he was loved and we’re sorry that we can’t call every person who knew him to tell them.”

In a further post, he added: “Chris you were my hero, you were my best friend and you were someone I would throw myself in the way of a truck for!

“Thank you for everything you ever taught me and I will miss you for the rest of my life but you will never be forgotten!”

Speaking three years ago Terry, 58, said he couldn’t have been prouder of Christopher, who was married and served as a captain with the Royal Artillery before leaving the army in 2015, but said he had found life hard since returning from Afghanistan.

"Unfortunately Chris is not in a good way right now,” he said. "When he told me about going into that compound in Afghanistan, feeling the bullets pinging off his helmet, well..."

Photo: TWTD/Facebook

ericclacton added 10:14 - Oct 17 Poor Butch how awful for him, take him a while to get over that, if he ever does.
3

Smithy added 10:17 - Oct 17 RIP
3

getawig added 10:22 - Oct 17 No parent should have to bury their child. Rest in peace young man. My heartfelt condolences to Terry and the family.
6

msnow added 10:27 - Oct 17 my sincere condolences go to terry and his family at this very sad time god bless you all x
6

wokingblue added 10:30 - Oct 17 So so sad. Makes the game of football seem so insignificant. Thinking of you and your family Butch.
7

docsavage52 added 10:36 - Oct 17 REspect RIP
2

itsonlyme added 10:49 - Oct 17 So very sad. My heart goes out to you Terry and your family. RIP Christopher
2

DebsyAngel added 11:00 - Oct 17 How terribly sad. RIP Christopher and my thoughts go out to Terry and his family. Hugs x
2

brassy added 11:00 - Oct 17 Sad news R.I.P. young man
2

roytheboy added 11:20 - Oct 17 My family and myself are very deeply saddened to read this tragic and most terrible news. our hearts cry out to Terry and his family, may God bless poor Chris in Heaven and also comfort you all during this very sad time, we send our love to you.
3

Vizslaraner added 11:22 - Oct 17 Such terrible news and such a young man. My thoughts go out to Butch and his family. He was a brave colossus of a man like his father. RIP Christopher
2

dirtydingusmagee added 11:32 - Oct 17 Respect and my condolences to the family, Very sad, R I P Chris .
2

rfretwell added 11:41 - Oct 17 Heartfelt condolences Butch at this terribly sad time for you all. RIP Christopher.
2

algarvefan added 11:57 - Oct 17 There isn't much one can say at a time like this, our brave lads and lasses faced such a difficult time on our behalf. My sincere condolences to Terry and his family, tragic news, rest in peace now Chris.
2

Bluetone added 12:10 - Oct 17 It is really sad news like this hat makes a mere game of football seem so trivial. My sincere condolences to all Chris's family may he rest in peace now free from pain.
2

Millsey added 12:41 - Oct 17 I'm really sorry to hear of the sad passing of your son Terry. Nothing I can say can make up for your family's tragic loss. Regards Mick Mills
4

spanishblue added 12:42 - Oct 17 So sad and such a price to pay,my condolences to Chris's family god bless R.I.P.
2

Beattie2 added 12:59 - Oct 17 Terrible news, my deapest condolences to Terry and his family.
2

runaround added 13:09 - Oct 17 Terrible news, can't imagine what the family & friends are going through. RIP
2

Marshalls_Mullet added 13:15 - Oct 17 This article gives a good idea of what hero's like him went through; https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/nov/17/royal-marines-horrible-reality-afg Hard to imagine. One thing I know is that I dont have that kind of bravery.
1

bluelodgeblue added 13:31 - Oct 17 My sincere condolences to the Butcher family at this very sad time. Christopher thank you for your service sir! RIP
2

tempzzzz added 13:53 - Oct 17 So sad to hear this, no parent should ever have to bury their child. There should be a round of applause in the 35th minute on Sunday, from Town and Norwich fans in respect of a man who has died too young and fought for our country, Put the rivalry to one side for 60 seconds.
4

therein61 added 15:17 - Oct 17 Sincere best wishes to you and your family Terry in what must be an absolute devastation for all of you.
2

TractorBeezer added 16:14 - Oct 17 My sincere sympathy and condolences go to Terry, his family and friends of Chris at this very sad time. RIP Chris
2

dangerous30 added 16:38 - Oct 17 RIP chris
1

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