Sunderland pay tribute to fan and British Army captain Chris Collier after shock death leaving behind fiancee and kids

SUNDERLAND paid tribute to a lifelong fan and British Army captain who passed away suddenly.

Major Chris Collier served with the Parachute Regiment during his time in the military.

Twitter @SunderlandAFCSunderland posted condolences for fan and British Army captain Chris Collier[/caption]

Facebook @Steph CollierCollier served in the Parachute Regiment in the military[/caption]

Following his retirement, the huge Black Cats fan set up a popular supporters page and also tried his hand at photography.

He was also a committed charity activist and got involved in various campaigns – and even helped save a woman’s life after she collapsed during the 2015 Great North Run.

It is understood he died in his 40s from a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Sunderland’s official Twitter account posted a photo of Collier in a team jacket and beanie hat giving his thumbs up to the camera.

The club wrote: “Rest in peace, Chris,” followed by red and white hearts.

Chris is survived by his three young children and his fiancee Samantha.

Plenty of fans also took to social media to send their best wishes to the grieving family – while others are trying to arrange a minute’s applause at the Stadium of Light.

One said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the Collier family at this sad time. Another airborne brother gone far too soon. God bless Chris Collier. You will be greatly missed by us all, RIP my friend xx”

Another wrote: “Horrible news, will always remember your SunderLad stuff which came at a time we needed it! Rest in peace, Chris.”

And the Bradley Lowery Foundation commented: “Yesterday we received the devastating news of the passing of SunderLad, Chris Collier.

“From everyone at BLF, we send love and condolences to all of his friends and family.”