Former Sheffield Utd striker Luton Shelton has passed away - cause of death revealed

Luton Shelton dead at 35 [photo courtesy]

Former Sheffield United forward Luton Shelton has passed away in his native Jamaica at the age of 35.

Shelton was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - also known as motor neurone disease - in 2018, a year after his final appearance for his last club Harbour View, based in Kingston.

Jamaican reports claim Shelton, who scored a record 35 goals in 75 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, was found unresponsive at his home.

Shelton had come through the ranks at Harbour View and made his name as a regular goalscorer in Jamaican football before moving to Sweden with Helsingborgs in 2006.

He moved on to Sheffield United a year later, and made his debut for the club against Manchester United at Old Trafford in April 2007.

He was part of the Blades side that were relegated that season, and featured for them in the Championship the following campaign.

He left the club for Norwegian side Valerenga in 2008, and also had spells in Denmark, Turkey and Russia before heading home to Jamaica.

The Blades tweeted: "Sheffield United is saddened to hear reports in the Caribbean about the passing of our former striker, Luton Shelton, aged just 35. RIP, Luton."

Luton Shelton and his wife [photo courtesy]

Shelton's former Sheffield United teammate Paddy Kenny also paid his respects on Twitter, writing: "Just heard the sad news that my former teammate Luton Shelton from our days  at Sheffield United has died.

“35 years old is way too young for a young man. Life is too short so appreciate every day.”

Club captain Billy Sharp wrote: "Another former teammate to be taken too soon. RIP Luton Shelton."