In the early hours of Friday, December 20, 2024, the Charlotte FC community was struck by the heart-wrenching news of the passing of one of its most passionate and devoted supporters, Heidi Underhill. Known for her fervent dedication to Charlotte FC, Underhill’s sudden and peaceful death in her sleep has left a profound void not only in the hearts of her family but in the hearts of fans across the soccer community. At the age of 47, Heidi was a cherished figure in both her family and the South Carolina Spurs fan base, and her loss has reverberated across both her local community in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the larger soccer world. Heidi’s legacy, marked by her infectious enthusiasm and relentless support for Charlotte FC, is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together, and her passing has sparked an outpouring of love and tributes from those who had the privilege to know her. For those closest to her, her death is a deep sorrow, especially for her children, Kyley and Rainia, who remember her as a nurturing and inspiring mother. Heidi’s memory lives on through the indelible impact she made on her family, friends, and all those who had the chance to witness her commitment to Charlotte FC.
Heidi Underhill’s connection to soccer began in a way that many sports fans can relate to – through the love and devotion of a partner. Heidi’s partner, Brenton McCaskill, was a prominent member of the South Carolina Spurs fan club, and it was his passion for soccer, particularly for the Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspur, that ignited Heidi’s own interest in the sport. Although Heidi wasn’t initially a soccer fan, her admiration for Brenton’s dedication to the game and his involvement in the growing soccer scene in Charlotte led her to join in. Together, they formed Southbound & Crown, one of Charlotte FC’s largest and most vibrant fan organizations. Brenton’s involvement in the soccer community in Charlotte would ultimately play a central role in the deep connection Heidi would cultivate with the team.
Tragedy struck the couple in November 2022, when Brenton McCaskill was tragically murdered during a break-in at their home. The events surrounding Brenton’s death were harrowing, a moment that would alter Heidi’s life forever. Heidi was awakened in the early hours of a chilly November morning to the sound of what she believed was an intruder in her home. Brenton, always the protector, went to investigate. What followed was a chaotic and devastating scene, with Brenton being attacked and shot while attempting to defend their home. Despite efforts from Heidi and her son Josh to administer CPR, Brenton succumbed to his injuries. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Heidi was left to navigate an overwhelming sense of loss, compounded by the shock and trauma of the events.
In the wake of Brenton’s death, Heidi turned to soccer as a means of coping with her grief. The connection to the sport, which Brenton had introduced her to, became a lifeline. She found solace in watching Tottenham Hotspur games, attending fan events, and engaging with the community that had been a constant source of support during such an unimaginable time. The members of the South Carolina Spurs fan club rallied around Heidi, organizing fundraisers in Brenton’s memory, as well as helping to replace the locks on her home for added security. Their gestures of kindness and solidarity provided her with comfort, even as she struggled to come to terms with the loss of her partner.
Heidi’s involvement in the soccer community extended beyond just supporting Tottenham Hotspur. She embraced Charlotte FC, especially as the club began its journey in Major League Soccer (MLS). As Charlotte FC’s official debut drew nearer, Heidi’s enthusiasm and dedication to the team grew. She attended nearly every Charlotte FC event, from meet-and-greet nights to cultural celebrations and community block parties. Charlotte FC’s rise in the local sports landscape coincided with Heidi’s own healing process. She would often reflect on how she and Brenton would have been at the games together had he still been alive. In attending these events, Heidi sought to keep Brenton’s spirit alive, carrying forward the love they had both shared for soccer.
In the years following Brenton’s death, Heidi became an integral part of the Charlotte FC fan base, especially through her association with Southbound & Crown. The fan group, a major supporter section for Charlotte FC, became her new family. She took pride in representing the club and her late partner through her attendance at matches, her social media posts, and her active involvement in the fan community. Her role in Southbound & Crown symbolized more than just support for a team; it was a tribute to the relationship she had with Brenton and the enduring connection to the sport they both loved.
Heidi’s relationship with her children, Kyley and Rainia, remained central to her life. Both daughters were deeply affected by their mother’s love and resilience. Kyley, in particular, found comfort in the shared experiences with her mother, recalling the time spent watching Tottenham Hotspur documentaries and the hours they spent together reflecting on their memories of Brenton. The bond between mother and daughters grew stronger as they navigated the challenges of life without Brenton. Kyley’s heartfelt Facebook post announcing her mother’s sudden passing was a poignant reminder of the deep love Heidi instilled in her family.
In the aftermath of Heidi’s passing, tributes flooded in from friends, family, and fans of Charlotte FC. The outpouring of love and support reflected the profound impact Heidi had on those around her. Her death has left a hole in the Charlotte FC community, where she was known not only for her energy and commitment to the team but for her warm, welcoming nature. The messages from fans, many of whom had attended matches with her or had crossed paths at events, echoed a sentiment of deep loss. Charlotte FC, which had grown into a symbol of community pride, had lost a true advocate in Heidi Underhill.
Southbound & Crown, the supporters’ group founded by Brenton McCaskill, announced with sorrow the passing of one of their own. The group’s official statement paid tribute to Heidi’s unwavering spirit and her commitment to the group’s mission of fostering a passionate and inclusive environment for Charlotte FC fans. “It is with immeasurable grief that we announce Heidi Underhill, the very heart and soul of SBC, has passed away,” the statement read. “Please pray for her family and loved ones.” The impact of Heidi’s death was felt beyond Charlotte, as fans from across the country and around the world took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the beloved supporter.
As Heidi’s family prepares to celebrate her life in the coming weeks, those who knew her are left to reflect on her legacy. For Kyley and Rainia, the loss is devastating, but they take solace in the knowledge that their mother’s spirit lives on in the memories she left behind. The love and joy she brought to the Charlotte FC community will continue to inspire future generations of fans, who will remember her as a shining example of dedication, passion, and love for the beautiful game. Heidi’s passing may have left a void, but her legacy will never be forgotten, and her contributions to Charlotte FC and its fanbase will live on for years to come.
For those who wish to support Heidi’s family during this difficult time, Southbound & Crown, along with other members of the Charlotte FC community, have organized various initiatives to honor her memory. The family has requested privacy as they grieve, but they also ask for the continued support of friends, family, and the broader soccer community. As the Charlotte FC fanbase comes together to mourn the loss of one of its most dedicated supporters, Heidi’s spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire and unite those who share in her love for soccer and her unwavering commitment to family and community.
