Businessman and Soccer Club Owner Killed After Range Rover Found Flipped Next to Tree in Cape Cod

The American owner of a London soccer team died after his car went off the road, flipped and crashed into a tree in a Fourth of July accident in Cape Cod in Massachusetts, according to authorities.

First responders pried John Berylson, the 70-year-old owner of Millwall Football Club, from inside the mangled Range Rover, but he could not be saved, the Falmouth Police Department said in a Facebook post.

“John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him,” the club said, in part, in a statement. “He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness.”

Police and fire department personnel responding to a reported car crash shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday found the 2019 Range Rover overturned and resting against a tree, officials said.

Responders pulled Berylson, the vehicle’s sole occupant, free, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation suggested that the businessman lost control of the vehicle while taking a curve and went off-road, police said.

The Range Rover rolled into a ravine and came to a stop against a tree, where it was found, officials said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Berylson is survived by his wife and three children, according to the club’s statement.

“He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people,” it read.

Millwall F.C. currently plays in the EFL Championship league, and finished eighth in its last season.

“Under John’s passionate leadership and guidance, Millwall Football Club has enjoyed tremendous success and stability,” the club said. “Since first becoming involved in the club in 2006, he has presided over some of the greatest moments in Millwall’s history, and his influence in providing the platform for those was immeasurable.”

“John continued to speak eagerly about the new season and his vision for the future, and any success moving forward will be in his memory and honour,” it continued. “It will be his legacy.”