Aston Villa and England midfielder Missy Bo Kearns and her partner, Luton Town’s Liam Walsh, have announced the devastating loss of their unborn child. The news, shared via Instagram on Sunday, comes just weeks after the couple publicly revealed they were expecting their first child in September.
“With extremely heavy hearts, we wish to share that we’ve lost our baby during pregnancy,” Kearns wrote in a joint statement posted to her Instagram account. “The past weeks have been filled with a kind of sadness that’s hard to explain and we’re still trying to come to terms with it all. Right now, we’re focusing on recovering and supporting each other through this. We truly appreciate the love and support around us more than we can say.” Walsh also shared the same message on his own social media.
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from the football community. Aston Villa released a statement offering their condolences, saying, “We are sending all our love and support to Missy Bo and Liam at this tough time.” Luton Town echoed those sentiments, adding, “We send all our love and support to Liam, Missy Bo, and their families at this deeply sad time.”
Kearns, 24, has quickly become a rising star in English football. She signed with Aston Villa in 2024 after a successful stint with Liverpool, where she made over 100 appearances and served as captain. Her performances have earned her three appearances for the England national team, known as the Lionesses, since making her debut last year. She was also on Sarina Wiegman’s standby list for Euro 2025, where England emerged victorious last summer.
The timing of the announcement is particularly poignant, as Kearns and Walsh had recently shared their joy with fans, posting a video on March 1st revealing their pregnancy. The video showed the couple painting “Mum and Dad, Sept 26” on a wall, alongside images from a recent scan, according to reports from Goal.com. The post quickly garnered well wishes from fellow Lionesses, including Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, and Alessia Russo.
Kearns’ absence from Sarina Wiegman’s recent England squad for World Cup qualifiers was initially described as being unavailable for selection. The reason for that unavailability is now clear, as the Lionesses manager acknowledged the personal circumstances. Wiegman expressed her congratulations to Kearns on Monday, stating, “Of course, I’m happy for her. It’s great news… now that’s clear [why]. I’m very happy for her, for them. I think she’s doing well.”
This heartbreaking news comes at a time when Kearns was establishing herself as a key player for both Aston Villa and the England national team. Her dedication and skill on the pitch are well-recognized, and she is considered a promising talent for the future of women’s football. The loss is a deeply personal tragedy for Kearns and Walsh, and the football community is united in offering its support during this incredibly difficult time.
The Independent reported that Kearns is focusing on recovery and supporting her partner, Liam Walsh, as they navigate this challenging period. The couple has requested privacy as they grieve, and their statement reflects the profound sadness they are experiencing. The outpouring of support from teammates, clubs, and fans underscores the close-knit nature of the football family and the shared empathy for those facing personal loss.
As Kearns and Walsh start the process of healing, the football world will undoubtedly rally around them, offering strength and compassion. The focus now shifts to providing them with the space and support they demand to cope with this devastating loss. The next steps for Kearns’ return to football remain uncertain, but the priority is undoubtedly her well-being and that of her partner.
What’s Next: Kearns and Walsh are currently focusing on their recovery and supporting each other. There is no immediate timeline for Kearns’ return to football. Updates will be provided as they become available.
We at Archysport extend our deepest condolences to Missy Bo Kearns and Liam Walsh during this incredibly difficult time. Share your messages of support in the comments below.
