A man charged in the hit-and-run death of soccer player Tyler Fairman has pleaded not guilty to murder and multiple other charges.
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According to reports, Duane Anthony, 40, entered a not guilty plea to one count of murder, five counts of attempted murder and one count of driving while disqualified during a hearing at Nottingham Crown Court.
The charges stem from a tragic incident on May 9, when a car struck a group of pedestrians in Arnold, Nottinghamshire.
Fairman, 26, suffered critical injuries and died three days later at a hospital. Four other men sustained minor injuries, police said.
During Monday's hearing, Anthony's attorney acknowledged he was driving the vehicle but argued he had "no intention to kill or to cause really serious bodily harm."
A trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 7.
Fairman's death sent shockwaves through the local soccer community.
The 26-year-old had been celebrating the end of the season with teammates from Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC when the vehicle allegedly mounted the sidewalk and struck the group.
His family later remembered him as someone who "would do anything for anybody," describing him as a devoted partner, loyal friend and loving father figure who could light up any room with his smile and sense of humor.
Fairman also leaves behind his pregnant partner, Laraya, their young son and a daughter the couple was expecting. Following his death, a fundraising campaign was launched to help support his family during the difficult months ahead.
Woodthorpe Park Rangers paid tribute to their teammate after his passing, sharing the message, "Forever our number 6."
The criminal case remains ongoing as Anthony awaits trial later this year.
