It is with great sadness that American Football International has learned of the passing of Wexford Eagles coach Billy Anderson who died in a traffic accident Sunday morning on his way to a game against the Craigavon Cowboys.
Anderson was driving to catch the team bus.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, the 38 year old Anderson had lived in County Wexford, Ireland for several years and was the father of a four year old son. Apart from coaching the Wexford Eagles, he was an addiction counselor and a well-known stand-up comedian on the Irish circuit.
Anderson is survived by his partner Jeanette, son Finlay and family circle.
The tributes came pouring in fast and furious.
Kevin Klatt, head coach of the Eagles and a friend of Anderson, described him as “an honest-to-goodness legend” who had a “super-sized heart.Billy was more than just a friend and coach to the Eagles. He was a light that apparently shone brightly into the life of every person he met.”
Klatt also said his death had revealed what “a tight-knit, incredibly close community” the Irish American Football Association is.
Craigavon Cowboys said they were “shocked and extremely saddened” and their “thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone in the Wexford Eagles organisation”.
Ireland’s Smallest Comedy Club said Billy was a ‘great comedian and lovely guy’ in an online tribute.
They wrote: ‘Very sad to hear of the passing of Billy Anderson, a great comedian and lovely guy, who we were privileged to have with us at Ireland’s Smallest Comedy Club several times.
‘Thoughts are with his family and friends right now. RIP Billy, you’ll be missed.’
Central Arts Waterford added: ‘We’re shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing of our friend Billy Anderson, a true gent and a real comic talent.
‘Billy graced our stage at Central on a number of occasions and always brought the laughter; we were lucky to have got to know him. Rest In Peace, bud x.’
Numerous tributes have been paid to Anderson on social media. One read: “Woke to news that Billy Anderson, the funniest friend I ever had, passed away. A great stand up comic, a great dad, a great friend to everyone who had the pleasure of being great friends with him. I can’t fathom this right now. I am just devastated.”
Another wrote: “Billy Anderson was one of those guys that smiled no matter what was happening in his life and made you laugh no matter what was happening in yours. His mission in life was to help people. He achieved that. I’m going to miss him so much.”