The son of former Spanish professional football player Nacho Novo has tragically passed away at the age of 26. The Rangers icon, who currently manages Darvel FC, announced the devastating news of Ross' death via Instagram, describing himself as "completely shattered".
The 47-year-old former footballer posted: "Nothing in my life could have prepared me to write this message. We are completely shattered to share the sad news that our precious boy has tragically passed away."
"Please respect the privacy of our families during this extremely difficult time. You will forever be in our hearts, my son."
Ross' mother, Donna Clark, also shared a tribute. Posting a photo of her son, Nacho's ex-wife wrote: "Nothing in my life could have prepared me to write this message. We are completely shattered to share the sad news that our precious boy has tragically passed away."
Ross' 16-year-old younger brother posted an emotional tribute on TikTok where he wrote: "You were the best of all". The song "Dancing in the Sky" accompanied the images, as reported by the Daily Record.
The brother of the deceased added: "Rest in peace, big brother. I will miss you so much. I hope you are well and safe up there. Thank you for always taking care of me. I love you so much, I can't believe it's true. You were the best brother of all. You will always be 26 years old".
Over 100 people have responded in the comments to express their condolences. Although the cause of Ross' death has not been made public, messages of support and affection have quickly come from various sectors of the football community.
Sports journalist Laura Woods wrote: "I am so sorry for your loss, Nacho. Rest in peace, precious boy." Wrestling star Grado commented: "I am so sorry to hear this, Nacho. It is absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts are with you and your family."
The Rangers fan page Rangers Til' I Die posted on Facebook: "Our thoughts are with Nacho Novo and his family after the heartbreaking news of his son's passing. During this incredibly difficult time, the entire Rangers family is by your side. We send you strength and love."
Former teammates of Novo joined in the condolences: Michael Mols said: "Unbelievable, Nacho. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences." Meanwhile, his former Rangers teammate Steven Davis commented: "My thoughts are with all of you in this very difficult time."
Oswalds Bar, a Rangers establishment located in the center of Glasgow, wrote: "Our thoughts are with you, Nacho." Likewise, former footballer Nazmi Albadawi wrote: "I am so sorry for your loss, brother."
Ross McCausland, Craig Moore, and Maurice Edu also expressed their condolences, while a representative of Rangers FC stated: "The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with you at this sad time, Nacho".
Nacho married his then-partner, Donna Clark, from Gourock in 2015. The couple, who had been in a long-term relationship before getting married, have a teenage son together, while Nacho became a stepfather to Donna's children, Ross and Dylan.
The couple, who lived in Glasgow before separating around 2017, got married at One Devonshire Gardens surrounded by family and friends. Former Rangers teammate Marvin Andrews officiated the ceremony as the pastor.
The former Rangers star had previously been in a relationship with Stephanie Heaney, mother of two children, although they separated around 2019.
The Spanish footballer, who was inducted into the Ibrox Hall of Fame in 2014, retired in 2017. During his illustrious career at Rangers, he played over 250 games and scored 70 goals.
His honors with the club include three league championships, three League Cups, and two Scottish Cups. His Scottish football career also saw him play for Raith Rovers, Dundee, and Greenock Morton.
The former professional suffered a heart attack while playing with a Rangers legends team in Berlin in 2018, which required emergency surgery that saved his life.
In November of last year, Nacho took on the role of coach of Darvel FC after a stint as a coach at Drumchapel, a team in the West of Scotland Premier.
The club expressed its satisfaction at having the former Ibrox striker, who had scored 47 goals in 179 games with the Light Blues, on board.
Darvel expressed its condolences following the death of the family member of their coach and posted on Facebook: "Everyone at Darvel Football Club is devastated by the tragic news of the passing of Ross, stepson of our coach, Nacho Novo, at the young age of 26.
"The club stands with Nacho and his family at this sad time and asks everyone to respect the family's privacy during this extremely difficult time."