Doug Loft: key obituary facts
Is Doug Loft dead? Yes. Doug Loft died on October 12, 2026, at age 39.
Cause of death: Doug Loft's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Doug Loft known for?
He was a British footballer (born 1986).
More about Doug Loft
Born: 25 December 1986.
Place of birth: Maidstone.
Gender: male.
Occupation: association football player.
Nationality: United Kingdom.
Education: St. Simon Stock Catholic School.
Also known as: Douglas James Loft.
Doug Loft, an English professional footballer, died on October 12, 2026, aged 39.
Known also as Douglas James Loft, he was born in Maidstone on December 25, 1986. A midfielder, he made 430 league and cup appearances and scored 32 goals over an 18-year career.
Loft began in non-League football with Hastings United before joining Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2006. He remained on the fringes of Brighton’s first team and went on loan to Dagenham & Redbridge in February 2009. In June that year, he signed for Port Vale, where he found regular first-team football. Loft was a versatile player, also taking on a wing-back role. In 2012, he was named Port Vale’s Player of the Year and helped the club secure promotion to League One. His former teammate Gareth Owen praised his fitness, strength and skill, and noted his willingness to take the ball and carry out defensive duties. Loft’s clubs also included Gillingham. He attended St Simon Stock Catholic School.