TRIBUTES have been paid to a lifelong Bradford City fan, affectionately known as ‘Carrier Bag Man’, following his unexplained death at the weekend.
Kenny Morse, who had cheered the Bantams on from the stands both home and away since the 1980s, died on Sunday in Barnsley.
Mr Morse, who was thought to be in his fifties, was an easily recognisable figure at home and away games for his carrier bag he took with him to every match.
Bradford City were in action away at Barnsley on Saturday, losing 3-0 to the Tykes.
Mr Morse is thought to have fallen on his way to the ground and was found under a bridge between Barnsley town centre and the stadium by police, who called an ambulance.
A spokesperson for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "We were called by police at 2.10pm to Pontefract Road, Barnsley, to a medical incident.
"We sent one ambulance and transported one patient to Barnsley Hospital."
A spokesperson for Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said a man was taken to A&E, but discharged himself.
She said: "We can confirm that a gentleman did present at our Emergency Department on Saturday.
"However, he left the department before being fully assessed and receiving any treatment."
South Yorkshire Police said the body of a man in his 50s was found near a pond in Barnsley on Sunday morning.
A spokesperson said: "At around 8.30am on Sunday, January 13, police were called to Smithies Pond in Barnsley following the discovery of the body of a man in his 50s.
“His death is currently being treated as unexplained.
“Investigations are underway to ascertain the exact circumstances of his death.
“His family have been informed and are being supported by officers.
“A post mortem was due to be held on Sunday evening.
“Due to the deceased having been listed as an active missing person enquiry prior to his death, this matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is routine in such cases.”
A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “This has been referred to us and it needs to be assessed to determine whether an investigation is required.”
Many Bradford fans have paid their respects to Mr Morse and shared stories of away days shared with him over the years on an online fan’s forum.
One poster said: “I was lucky (or unlucky depending on which way you look at it) that me and my dad went just about everywhere with City from the mid-80s until my eldest daughter was born in 2002.
“Kenny was one of them blokes that you saw everywhere, whether it was a local derby at Huddersfield on a Saturday or Bournemouth away on a Tuesday night. Always had a bag, always had a smile.”
Another supporter shared an anecdote from a game in the 1995/96 season, when Bradford secured a play-off spot – which led to their promotion to Division One – with a win at Hull City.
He said: “My first encounter with him was during THAT away game at Hull.
“He was next to me on the terraces, we said our hellos just before kick-off, and next time I looked, he was on the pitch (with his bag) leading the invasion.
“Always saw him in the Corn Dolly pre match, and always made me chuckle thinking about him (and many others) being chased off the pitch by stewards.”
Another fan commented: “Sad news. He was a regular face at away games with his carrier bag.”
“Had many encounters with this chap. Lovely guy, heart of gold and a face you would be guaranteed to see at a game,” said another.
One supporter added: “Known to me and friends simply as Carrier Bag Man. Never went to an away game where I didn't see him. RIP.”
- The T&A has opened an online book of condolence, please leave your tributes to Kenny using the link below. All submissions will be reviewed by staff before publication.
Community answers
CONDOLENCE BOOK: Kenny Morse
"Leave your messages in tribute to Bradford City fan Kenny Morse, widely known as 'Carrier Bag Man', who died on Saturday after travelling to Barnsley for City's League One away match. "
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
What is your response?Thinking of family and friends of kenny morse will miss seeing him at Bradford city
What is your response?Rip kenny
What is your response?Kenny one of the ones who were always "Just there" everytime. Sad news
What is your response?Absolutely gutted to hear the news about Kenny. I have lots of memories, in fact to many to share about away games with him. I never knew him as carrier bag man but Kenny. I do remember he certain had some views on City's performance either good or bad, and I have occasionally bumped into him this season..... And let's just say the T&A won't print them. God bless you Kenny
What is your response?Rip from a Barnsley fan .
What is your response?RIP peace Kenny you will be sadly missed known you for a lot of years it will be strange not seeing you in the Corn Dolly on Saturday
What is your response?R.I.P Kenny fly high Thoughts with your family and friends x
What is your response?Very sorry to hear this tragic news. I remember Kenny from going to City away games with CTC and the Corn Dolly. Condolences to all Kenny’s family & friends.
What is your response?Absolutely heartbreak, no one should go to a football game and not return home. My thoughts are with all family and friends. Football is family. RIP from a Barnsley FC fan ♥ï¸
What is your response?So sad to hear the bad new about kenny RIP
What is your response?Rip
What is your response?Terry Pratchett once said: “Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken“ Kenny Morse will be a name spoken for many years to come by the supporters who shared there love for a great football club! I just wish we had lost for him on Saturday.......R.I.P mate from a Barnsley fan x
What is your response?Went on many a journey with Kenny and the Shipley Bantams crew.. One standout moment was in 2006 Kenny jumping out of the emergency exit of the coach on the North Circular as we were late getting to Brentford.. What a character and will be sorely missed. R.I.P. Mate
What is your response?RIP Kenny. So many fond memories of travelling to away games with CTC in the 80s/90s and you were a big part of that. You will be greatly missed and remembered by many for years to come.
What is your response?He was a great man with is bag sat near us in the north west corner at half time he shout at the TV if Huddersfield were winning or Leeds bless him. We did c him on the floor and stop 2 c if he was ok blood all over look in pain rip bag man xx
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He was a great man with is bag sat near us in the north west corner at half time he shout at the TV if Huddersfield were winning or Leeds bless him. We did c him on the floor and stop 2 c if he was ok blood all over look in pain rip bag man xx What is your response?RIP Kenny a true fan of your club. From a Southend United fan.
What is your response?Kenny is one of the reasons I love Bradford City. I'm sure every club has a Kenny but he was our Kenny and I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He most likely looked and sounded a little odd to an outsider and when he'd been drinking even more so but the more games you went to in far flung places at ridiculous times on ridiculous days of the week the more likely you were to be tagged onto by Kenny and the more you realised that he just loved City. That's the only credential he needed to be one of the few, we happy few, we band of brothers. My heart breaks for Kenny if as seems likely he died alone but I take some solice from knowing that he was going to watch City. RIP Kenny and Thanks for the memories.
What is your response?from a barnsley fan thoughts with Kennys fam & the City family
What is your response?A true City supporter it was not supposed to end like this Kenny, it was a pleasure to have known you.RIP
What is your response?Sorry. RIP
What is your response?RIP Kenny. Never knew you personally but always found it comforting to see you at away games as it brought back memories of younger days when I started supporting City with My dad and brother.
What is your response?Never been to a match without seeing him there. I once saw him on a weekday lunchtime walking through Leeds station with his City hat and scarf and of course a carrier bag. It made my day. What a legend. RIP
What is your response?God bless you Kenny, you will be missed in the Dolly pre match, Thinking of you. Paul and Melissa
What is your response?Heart breaking news R.I.P
What is your response?RIP Kenny
What is your response?Very sad news indeed. A true Bradford City legend and someone who devoted his life to the bantams! RIP Kenny
What is your response?Kenny... shouting “Call it off!†at the top of his voice in the fog as we were losing at Swindon. Getting two halves in at closing time when everyone else was doubling up on pints. Always there for City through thick, thin and thinner. A proper City fan, for whom absolutely no-one had a bad word. He’ll be truly missed, even by those of us who didn’t know him very well.
CONDOLENCE BOOK: Kenny Morse
Leave your messages in tribute to Bradford City fan Kenny Morse, widely known as 'Carrier Bag Man', who died on Saturday after travelling to Barnsley for City's League One away match.
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