England footballer Gemma Wiseman dies aged 33: star who won bronze alongside her wife at the World Deaf Championships was found dead in woods just before Christmas, leaving the family ‘devastated’

An English footballer, who won a bronze medal for Great Britain with her wife, tragically died just days before Christmas.

Gemma Wiseman, 33, helped Britain to a third-place finish at the 2016 World Cup for the Deaf in Italy.

Her body was discovered by a member of the public in woodland near Wilkinson Road in Rackheath, near Norwich, on December 16.

Wiseman is survived by her wife Laura and daughter, three, who are ‘devastated’ by her loss.

Since her death, A GoFundMe page has been set up and has raised £7,500.

Wiseman won bronze together with her wife at the Deaf World Championship in 2016

A statement on the site said: ‘On December 16, 2023, Gemma sadly committed suicide. Her family and friends are absolutely devastated.

‘Gemma was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humour. She brought laughter and energy everywhere she went and easily made friends with anyone who was lucky enough to meet her.

‘Gemma is survived by her devoted wife Laura and her three-year-old daughter, who are completely lost without her.

‘We are kindly asking for donations to help pay for Gemma’s funeral and give her the send-off she truly deserves. So if you can donate anything at all, it would be greatly appreciated.

‘Laura is extremely grateful for everyone’s help and support during this difficult time.

“It’s okay not to be okay.”

An inquest into her death was opened at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall on December 28, while an inquest into the official cause of death will take place on July 29.

The medical cause of death was given as ‘narrowing of neck structures’.

Born on January 28, 1990 in Plymouth, Devon, Wiseman had worked as a teaching assistant while continuing to play football for a number of local clubs.

Lucindha Lawson, a teammate of Wiseman, paid an emotional tribute to “one of the most beautiful people” on Instagram, just a few days after her death.

Since her death, a GoFundMe page has been set up, which has raised £7,500 so far

Alongside a series of photos, Lawson wrote: “Gemma Louise Wiseman (Sanders) wasn’t just a teammate and roommate; she was one of the most wonderful people – funny, caring and truly special.

‘As housemates at the 2013 Deaflympics, we shared countless memorable moments, even though we were left out because the other villas were just too far from ours.

‘Plus I’ll never forget the night out in Bristol during the GB training camp where I snuck into the city center with a few girls. She drove us there, I think, and what a wonderful evening it was.

‘We weren’t caught red-handed the next day (everyone knows now, but who cares?!). We traveled together as a team to Bulgaria for the Deaflympics in 2013, Bulgaria for the European Championships in 2014, Thailand for the World Cup in 2015 and Italy for the World Cup in 2016. Our early twenties were filled with unforgettable parties and adventures.

‘I also remember fondly the times she stayed with me and occasionally played with us for Fulham DFC. One time she unfortunately injured her hand during a match, and we laughed about it when she had a bag of pea ice cream on her injured hand at my house. Such a funny memory.

“Gemma, it has been a great privilege to have played alongside you, one of the greatest players I have known, and to know you as a person. I had the honor of attending your beautiful wedding.

“Thank you for having my part in your life; it means a million to me. The memories of those moments will be cherished forever. I deeply regret not doing more for our friendship, but I take comfort in knowing that you are no longer suffering. May you rest in peace without pain.

“I will always be here to support you Laura in any way I can. Fly high and I trust my brother to take care of you on my behalf. I love you, will miss you, and see you later.’

Well-wishers were distraught over Wiseman’s death and left messages of support for her family on her GoFundMe page.

‘So sad to hear this. I didn’t know Gemma, but recognized her from the Deaf Festival. I remember Gemma and Laura taking Allie to the bear clinic to get hearing aids for her bear,” said one commenter.

Another added: ‘I’m so sorry to read this. We worked together for Break in 2014. Gemma had the sweetest, kindest soul. We then saw each other on Sunday mornings while our little girls played soccer together. A cheerful, friendly face that I encountered every now and then. I’m so sorry. Rest in peace, dear lady.’

Another said: “Our thoughts are with you Laura and Allie. Gemma always had such a beautiful smile and bubbly personality whenever we met you around Blofield.’

In 2016, Manchester United legend Gary Neville donated £20,000 to help the men’s and women’s deaf football teams reach the 2017 Deaflympics.

The footballer turned pundit made the donation in response to a tweet from Claire Stancliffe, captain of Team GB Women, when he discovered that neither the FA’s Premier League was providing financial support for Britain’s deaf teams.

“I will if they don’t,” he tweeted in 2016.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details