Dan Walker leads messages to BBC colleague Mark Chapman after his wife tragically dies aged 44 

‘Absolutely crushed for Chappers and his family. He loved Sara so much. May she rest in peace’: Dan Walker leads heartfelt messages to BBC colleague Mark Chapman after his wife tragically dies aged 44

  • Dan Walker has led the tributes to Mark Chapman’s wife Sara, who died aged 44 
  • Sara passed away on Wednesday surrounded by family after a long-term illness 
  • Gary Lineker, Piers Morgan and Trevor Sinclair also sent heartfelt messages 

Dan Walker has led the tributes to Mark Chapman’s wife Sara, who tragically died at the age of 44.

BBC presenter Walker wrote that he is ‘absolutely crushed’ for Match of the Day 2 host Chapman.

Walker tweeted: ‘Absolutely crushed for Chappers and his family. He loved Sara so much. May she rest in peace.’ 

Tributes have been paid to Mark Chapman’s wife Sara, who died aged 44 on Wednesday following a long-term illness

Walker continued: ‘When Chappers found out that my dad was diagnosed with cancer last year, he was so kind and thoughtful. He was also honest about the effects of cancer on his wife.

‘His words and advice were incredibly helpful.

‘Sending all my love to Mark and his young family.’

Sara died on Wednesday surrounded by her family following a long-term illness.

Mark, from Sale, Greater Manchester, also presents the Saturday afternoon football show 606 on 5Live as well as discussion programme The Monday Night Club.

He became the main host of Match of the Day 2 in August 2013 and joined Radio 5 Live in 2010 to host live sport in the evenings.

Former Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas also paid tribute to Sara. Thomas’ wife Gemma died in 2017 three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. 

Thomas tweeted: ‘Thoughts very much with @markchapman and his kids tonight. Life has dealt them a very tough blow but have no doubt, given the support he showed me a two-and-a-half, that he’ll hold that family together.’

Everton tweeted: ‘The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with @markchapman and his family after the sad passing of his wife Sara.’

Dan Walker led the heartfelt messages to his BBC colleague Mark Chapman after Sara's death

Dan Walker led the heartfelt messages to his BBC colleague Mark Chapman after Sara’s death

Gary Lineker, Piers Morgan and Trevor Sinclair also sent messages of condolence to Chapman

Gary Lineker, Piers Morgan and Trevor Sinclair also sent messages of condolence to Chapman

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker described the news as ‘heartbreaking’.

He tweeted: ‘Oh no. How utterly heartbreaking. Thoughts are with poor Chappers and his family.’

Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan tweeted: ‘God how sad. Deepest condolences to @markchapman & his family.’

Presenter Manish Bhasin tweeted: ‘Such sad news. Thoughts with @markchapman and his family x’.

Former footballer Trevor Sinclair offered his condolences and tweeted: ‘Condolences @markchapman sorry for your loss’.

Ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg wrote: ‘So sad news and thoughts with you and your family @markchapman’.