Manchester United academy star Rhys Bennett’s sister has opened up on the tragic reason behind their father’s death.
The 21-year-old defender shared the sad news on social media on Monday morning, describing how he had been left ‘broken’ by his passing.
And Bennett’s sister, Megan, has also taken to Instagram to advocate for mental health awareness, writing: ‘I am sharing my dad’s story and my experience as his daughter to add to the important discourse around mental health awareness.
‘Anyone who knows me knows I’ve worked in mental health care for the last four years and this passion has been driven through lived experience with my dad.
‘Over the weekend, I lost my dad to suicide. This is the result of a lifelong battle of depression and alcoholism (addiction issues often come hand in hand with mental health issues unfortunately).
She continued: ‘The pain that myself and my family is left in is pure devastation. Unfortunately my dad was unable to see the extent to which he was loved. If you are ever in a position where you are doubting how loved you are, remember you are worthy and you are loved even if you can’t see it. I am sharing this in case this is someone’s sign. Dad, I will love you forever.
‘I believe my dad was stuck in a cycle feeling trapped by negative feelings and using alcohol to numb these feelings.
‘Unfortunately when we use such strategies we can’t make progress and we can’t break the cycle.
‘This is your sign if you’re struggling to get help, there’s always a way out, there’s always a person’s shoulder to lean on, and remember there are services and groups you can also lean on for support. You never have to do it alone.’
Rhy Bennett captained the Manchester United side which won their first FA Youth Cup in 11 years in 2022 – in a team which featured Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. He scored in the final against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
His father David was clearly very proud of his son’s achievements and regularly posted online about his latest successes.
In an Instagram post accompanied by four images with his father and family, he wrote: ‘Dad, I never thought I’d have to write this so soon, over the weekend I found out that he’d took his own life.
‘Broken, devastated, just don’t want to believe it’s real but the sad reality is that it is, from driving me here, there and everywhere as a kid to watching me fulfil my dream of becoming a professional footballer.
‘I love you in this life and the next.
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