It's been confirmed today that Chris Barker has died aged just 39.
Barker made over 150 appearances for Cardiff that included a play off final win at the Millennium Stadium in 2003.
He also played for Barnsley, Stoke, Colchester, Southend, QPR, Plymouth Argyle and Aldershot Town.
News started to emerge on social media on Wednesday evening that he had lost his life and it was confirmed officially this morning.
Cardiff City this morning said:
Cardiff City Football Club has been deeply shocked and saddened at the passing of our former defender, Chris Barker.
Chris was an extremely popular player both on and off the field, serving the club with distinction between 2002 and 2007. He was awarded the Cardiff City FC Player of the Season award for his efforts during our 2004/05 campaign.
We offer our deepest condolences to Chris’ family, friends, former team-mates and colleagues. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Details of a Club tribute to Chris will follow in the coming days. On behalf of Chris’ family, we’d ask for them to be afforded privacy at this very difficult time.
His sports management agency World in Motion tweeted: "It is with great sadness that we learn of the untimely and tragic passing at the age of 39 of Chris Barker.
"Chris was a client throughout his outstanding playing career of over 500 league games.
"Moreover, Chris was a wonderful person, an absolute gentleman and a pleasure to work for."
A South Wales police statement read: “Police can confirm the sudden death of a 39 year-old man who was discovered at his home address in the Cyncoed area of Cardiff at approximately 2pm on New Year’s Day.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.”
Chris Barker RIP