Sussex AA is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Brighton Phoenix Club athlete Robbie Fitzgibbon at the age of 28.

A former English Schools' champion and multiple international, Robbie had been a stalwart of his club and the county since he was an under-13 athlete.

The tragic news was announced by Phoenix on Friday in a statement written by club chairperson Mike Townley and vice chair Josh Guilmant. We have reproduced the article from Athletics Weekly below and listed some support services.

All at Sussex AA send our sincere condolences to Robbie’s family, many friends, and Phoenix club members.

Brighton Phoenix pay tribute to “irreplaceable” Robbie Fitzgibbon (AW October 11th 2024)

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most cherished athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon.

“A friend to many, and a source of motivation for all who had the privilege of knowing him, Robbie was the epitome of a runner’s runner, embodying everything we value at Phoenix.

“Though Robbie will no longer run alongside us, share his stories or lift our spirits with his humour and kindness, his presence will continue to be felt in everything we do as a club. His contribution to Brighton Phoenix is enduring, living on through the countless memories we have shared.”

Fitzgibbon joined the club as a junior, his first recorded race coming in 2008 at the age of 12, and went on to win the English Schools 1500m title in 2014. A year later, he placed fifth in the 1500m final at the European Athletics U20 Championships.

His PB for the metric mile of 3:36.97 arrived in 2017 at the Nijmegen Global Athletics meeting in the Netherlands, while he also competed in several Diamond League races and his last international appearance came during the heats of the 2019 European Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

“In recent years, Robbie took a step back from the intense nature of track running, moving from middle-distance to becoming a key member of our distance group, finding enjoyment again not just in racing cross country and road but being part of the team and wider Phoenix community,” continued the Brighton Phoenix statement about an athlete who, as recently as June, won the Bexhill 5km in 15:13. “He would always be the first to put his hand up for another race. 

“This summer, he was part of the South Downs Way Relay team, setting a leg record along the way, medalling in the County Cross Country Champs at Goodwood where he started his club running career and running Christmas day parkrun at Preston Park on a monumental hangover. 

“Robbie gave so much to the club and we know the club meant just as much to him. It is difficult to find the right words in moments like these. Robbie was not just an athlete to us; he was a friend, a team-mate, and an irreplaceable part of our Phoenix family. 

“Robbie had been preparing to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon in aid of the charity Mind. His dad Robin will now run in his place and, to honour his wishes, we invite those who are able to consider donating to his chosen cause in his memory.”

Donations can be made here