Ex-Premier League referee who died aged 65 passes on seven-figure fortune

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Uriah Rennie left a £1.3million fortune for his children when he died at 65 last year . The former Premier League official did not leave a will, and as a result, his wealth was automatically passed on to his partner and two children.

The Premier League's first-ever black official, Rennie sadly passed away in a hospital in Sheffield in June after "privately battling" cancer. He joined the loist of match officials in 1994 before becoming the first black referee to oversee a game at the level during Derby County's 1997 clash with Wimbledon .

Throughout his career, Rennie oversaw more than 300 matches in total, including 175 in the English top flight. Now, 10 months after his passing, documents have revealed the staggering sum of £1.28m he left to his family.

His partner Jayne and his two children will receive the money. In a statement after his death, Jayne and Rennie's older brother Glenroy said: "Our family have appreciated all the support from the nursing teams from Northern General and Weston Park Hospitals , plus close family and friends during the past few weeks at such a difficult time. Uri will be so very sadly missed."

Rennie retired from refereeing in 2005 and campaigned for a number of causes - including equality and inclusion in sport, as well as mental health support. He then became the Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University just four months prior to his death.

A person who impacted so many, a number of organisations paid tribute to Rennie in his passing. A statement from the FA read: " The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie.

“Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this time."

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Elsewhere, Sheffield United wrote: "Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time."

The Sheffield FA also said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie. Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008.

"He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this difficult time."

Elsewhere, former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker, Stan Collymore said: "Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie.

"A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, Ref."

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