Brighton man one of the first to be identified as victim of Shoreham airshow disaster

By Tim Hodges

A young Brighton footballer has been identified by friends as a victim of the Shoreham airshow disaster.

Jacob Schilt, 23, who recently graduated from Portsmouth University, was reportedly travelling along the A27 to play with teammate Matt Grimstone, also 23, for Worthing United FC.

Both are believed to have been killed.

Jacob Schilt

In a statement released today, Worthing FC cautioned that no formal identification had yet been made, adding: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Worthing United Football Club are with those whose families or friends were killed or injured at the Shoreham airshow crash yesterday afternoon.”

Mr Schilt was involved in the Robert Eaton Memorial Fund charity match in April this year.

The match is played between Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace each year in memory of Robert Eaton who died in the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre in 2001.

Matt Grimstone

Mr Schilt also once played for St Peter’s Cricket Club in Brighton.

Mr Grimstone used to play in goal for Mile Oak FC.

Another victim was named as Matt Jones, 24, a personal trainer, from Littlehampton.

The investigation into the accident will continue throughout the day today.

Meanwhile, the A27 remains closed in both directions and is expected to reopen at 6am tomorrow.