Former Aston Villa Striker Dalian Atkinson Dies at Age 48

Former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson has died at the age of 48 after being shot with a stun gun.

The Press Association reported Atkinson's death on Monday:

According to ITV.com, West Mercia Police said in a statement: "West Mercia Police are unable to comment any further as the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), as is normal procedure and will assist the IPCC with their inquiries."

On Thursday, Vikram Dodd of the Guardian reported two West Mercia police officers are under investigation.

Per MailOnline's Sam Tonkin, a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said on Aug. 15: 

"

We were called by West Mercia Police to an address in Meadow Close in the Trench area of Telford at about 1:45 a.m. this morning.

An ambulance was dispatched and upon arrival found a man who had been Tasered.

As he was being conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital, his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest.

Despite the efforts of the crew and hospital staff, it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at hospital, shortly after arrival.

"

Atkinson also had spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, Manchester City and Fenerbahce in his 16-year playing career.

Per ITV.com, the police had responded to a call following "concerns for the safety of an individual" in the early hours of Monday morning, with the incident occurring at around 1:30 a.m. 

According to the Sun's Lauren Fruen, Atkinson was tasered outside his father's home. Despite receiving medical attention, he was declared dead at approximately 3 a.m.

Aston Villa reacted to the news:

So did several of his other former clubs:

Condolences also poured in from fellow footballers past and present as well as broadcasters and journalists:

"

Shocked to hear the news Dalian Atkinson has died. Always remember his classic goal v Wimbledon for #avfc #rip

— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) August 15, 2016"

According to the Birmingham Mail's Graeme Brown, his former manager at Wednesday and Villa, Ron Atkinson, said:

"

This is an out-and-out tragedy.

He was a really popular player with team-mates. He was a really generous lad—sometimes too generous for his own good—but a good lad.

He always had a smile on his face and I really like that in a player.

He also had terrific ability. I always knew I didn’t need to worry about him in big games.

"

Like former Premier League footballer-turned-pundit Kevin Kilbane, many chose to remember Atkinson's wonder strike against Wimbledon in 1992, shared here by BenchWarmers:

"

WOW: Here's Dalian Atkinson's wonder goal against Wimbledon on October 3rd 1992. May he rest in peace...#AVFC pic.twitter.com/OJEYEn1BZ6

— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) August 15, 2016"

The goal was Match of the Day's Goal of the Season in the Premier League's inaugural campaign.

Another of Atkinson's career highlights was a goal against Manchester United in the 1994 League Cup final, which Aston Villa won 3-1.