Londoner Ali Gomez Mehmet was a man in the prime of his life. The 36-year-old was an avid Spurs fan and successful amateur footballer, who owned two thriving businesses, and was set to wed the love of his life this year.
Tragically, Ali’s life was cut short when he suddenly passed away on 25 March after suffering a heart attack at home.
A popular character in the British Turkish Cypriot community and beyond, Ali’s sudden and untimely death has shocked all who knew him.
Ali was a life-long Spurs fan and season-ticket holder, and his family and friends have asked Spurs fans to help celebrate his life with a minute’s applause in the 10th minute of Saturday’s home game against Brighton.
Actor Aziz Kemal, a friend of Ali’s told T-VINE: “For me personally, Ali was one of the calmest, most professional people I’ve ever met.
“He was super hard working, and was always keen on improving himself. Over the years I’ve known him, I could see him growing as a person, genuinely a gentleman.”
Aziz, also a big Spurs fan, explained how football played a huge part in Ali’s life: “He played football for a team called EC Galaxy. Ali scored a goal to secure the league title for them, which shows he was really a winner. He also played for a Turkish team, Yeni Bogazici.”
Based in Enfield, North London, Ali had formerly been a manager at TGI Fridays before launching his own catering business, Quality, and Walthamstow eatery, American diner Chefzi.
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Ali’s death marks heart-breaking double tragedy for family
Ali was set to marry his sweetheart in May. It was his fiancé who made the tragic discovery finding Ali collapsed in the bathroom.
For Ali’s family, this was not the first tragedy to hit them. Nine years ago, Ali’s cousin Adem died in a road accident in North London after finishing his shift at TGI Fridays.
The two cousins had been inseparable growing up, prompting many friends of both to post on social media how they would now be reconciled in heaven.
Kevin Marshall wrote on Facebook, “You were a good genuine person bro. Passionate about the youth and doing good in the world. Thank you for supporting me, listening to me, being a friend. Tis broke me. My prayers and condolences to your family. I know Adem was waiting by heaven’s gate for you. Gonna miss you bro. Rest well bro”.
Former work colleague Katie Daly also paid tribute to Ali on Facebook, stating he brought “so much fun to TGI Fridays”, the pair sharing “great times learning along the way together progressing through our careers in management.”
“You truly were sent from heaven and touched so many people’s lives. You have gained your wings and are now reunited with Adem.”
One of our own #COYS
This Saturday, 16 April, Ali’s family hope Spurs fans will give him a fitting tribute during the Premier League match against Brighton at White Hart Lane.
Friends of the family have created a digital flyer asking Spurs fans to clap in the tenth minute of the game, which has an early 12.30pm kick-off.
A flyer with Ali’s picture states, “Ali Gomez Mehmet, a 36-year-old life long Spurs fan and Season Ticket holder.”
“He was sadly discovered at home by his fiancé following his sudden and untimely death on 25thMarch. He was born into Spurs and wore the cockerel on his chest with pride his entire life. From White Hart Lane to Wembley and back to our home, through the joys and sorrows, trials and tribulations, he was never absent from the terraces. His spirit will remain and he will continue to sing “Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur.”
!!!!Spurs fans!!!!!
PLEASE RT 💙 pic.twitter.com/iPTnTgy3op
— The Aziz Show (@theazizshowuk) April 11, 2022
The flyer ends by requesting fans join Ali’s family and friends in a celebration of his life and was tagged #COYS, which stands for Come on You Spurs:
“Please join us in celebrating this bright soul’s life by joining in for a minute applause on the 10thminute during the Brighton game on 16thApril. He was one of our own #COYS”
Aziz, who has been sharing the flyer constantly on Twitter and other social media platforms, has given his Spurs ticket for the Brighton game to one of Ali’s cousins, so they could be present for the event.
“Ali was a very loved and respected person in our community,” said Aziz, adding “Lots of his family and close friends will be at the game, and it will mean the world to all of us if Spurs fans help pay tribute to Ali too.”
People can also make a donation to a charitable fund, which will be used to build a classroom and water well in his name. See link below.
