A devastated wife has paid tribute to a loving father and football coach with a “heart of gold” after his sudden death.

Tributes have poured in for father-of-three Mitchell Bonney following a workplace accident at London’s Twickenham Stadium.

The 36-year-old Gillingham resident was a coach for Sittingbourne-based Upchurch Colts Under 9s and “touched the heart of so many people”, his widow Kayleigh said.

Speaking about her partner, who she married 10 years ago, she said: “My Mitchell, my husband, my love, my best friend, my soul mate, was taken away from me and my children.

“He was the most loving man with a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He absolutely adored us and we were his everything.

“My heart has broken and is shattered. I will never understand why he has been taken away from us – It’s far too soon and it’s just not fair.”

Mrs Bonney said the volunteer coach was working at Twickenham as an escalator engineer when he died and she has been left “numb” by the news. No further details about the fatal incident are available.

KentOnline spoke to Mr Bonney last month over concerns he had about his club's future.

Kayleigh added: “We still have unanswered questions and don’t know exactly what happened to him and now we have been told it’s going to take longer to find out.

“We all have to pass away one day, but I didn’t expect death would separate us until we were old and grey.

“He was such a wonderful man and we shared a special love in life. He was such an incredible man. He was truly unforgettable my love, my friend, my husband.”

The Bonney family have thanked everyone for their messages of kind words and support.

Mitchell’s best friend Shane McHugh is taking over the football team in memory of him due to the hard work he put in.

He has organised for the boys to play a remembrance match on Sunday at Upchurch Cricket Club in Holywell Lane.

Kayleigh, who marks her 35th birthday the same day, added: “Mitchell would want me to be around people who love me on my birthday. It’s going to be hard watching my youngest play for the first time without Mitchell being there and coaching.”

Friend Leah Higginson wrote: “We loved you Mitch, you told us you loved us every time we saw you. The plans we had will not be the same but the memories we have will stay in our hearts forever.

“Such a great holiday last year, was so looking forward to the next one with you, Kay and the kids. We know you couldn’t wait too! Can’t describe how we are all feeling right now.”

While Dion Dempsey added: “RIP Mitchell Bonney, taken far too soon. Was always a Scorpions FC legend. Such sad news thinking of all your family.”

Mitchell leaves behind his wife Kayleigh and children Callum, 16, Maisie, 12, and Finley, 9.

A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said: “We are providing specialist assistance to Richmond Council as it continues to investigate this incident.”

A Met Police spokesman added: “Police were called at 1.11pm to reports of a man fallen at Twickenham Rugby Stadium. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended.

“The man, who was working at the venue, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”