It is with heavy hearts we share the news that former Kickers player and coach David Bulow passed away peacefully with his wife Nellie at his bedside the morning of May 6. He was 41.

Bulow is survived by his wife and his three amazing children: Aaron (6), Cameron (3), and Lucy (10 months).

“The Richmond Kickers family is heartbroken to learn of David’s passing,” said Kickers Chairman Rob Ukrop. “David’s impact on our club will not be forgotten, he served the community well as a player, as a coach of both our pro and youth teams, and more importantly as a friend to so many within the soccer landscape. Our hearts go out to Nellie and his children, Aaron, Cameron, and Lucy.”

The family asks for privacy during this difficult time. Additional updates, including any needs and wishes for communication, will be done through the GoFundMe page created in his honor.

It has been requested of those wishing to help the Bulow family that they may donate to the GoFundMe, send gift cards for groceries, add more sign-ups for the meal train, pray for the family, or simply offer a supportive hand.

Bulow enjoyed a storied career with the Kickers as a player from 2006-09 and 2011-13. He transitioned into the coaching ranks in the 2014 season when he worked as an assistant to long-time Kickers' manager Leigh Cowlishaw. Bulow would go on to coach in the Richmond United Academy before taking the head coaching role at the Kickers when Cowlishaw stepped down in June 2018.

Beyond the soccer pitch, Bulow was beloved for his positivity and infectious smile.

"I am devastated by the news of the passing of my close friend, David Bulow," current Kickers' First Assistant Coach and former assistant to Bulow, Mika Elovaara shared. "His energy and love for life was contagious. When I think of him, I can’t help but to think of his favorite shirt, one with a simple text 'Be a Good Person' in the front.

"He was an incredible husband and a loving father, an enthusiastic and inspiring coach, and a dear friend. Beyond his immediate circle of friends and family, he was an ambassador of the beautiful game and someone who worked comfortably in the greater community of soccer globally, and more closely, in Richmond. A Kickers legend as a player, a coach for Kickers, Richmond United and Strikers, his legacy will live long and strong as we all learn to live with the sad new reality in his absence. He will be forever in our hearts and minds."

A memorial service is being planned and details will be released when they are available.

The Richmond Kickers organization plans to honor Bulow and his family in the coming weeks.