An aspiring semi-professional footballer from Sidcup who played for Charlton Athletic and West Ham United has died aged 20.
Katie Sheppard was found dead on July 2 at her family home in Montrose Avenue.
Police and ambulance crews were called to the address at just before 5.10pm.
It is not yet clear how the midfielder died and enquiries continue, though officers are not searching for anyone in connection with her death.
A post-mortem examination and inquest will now take place.
Katie was a member of the Charlton Athletic Centre of Excellence and played in the women's reserve team before moving to West Ham United Ladies in the third tier of women's football in 2012.
In November that year she made her debut for the east London side, who play their games in the FA Womens' Premier League Southern Division at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane ground in Essex.
Katie during her time at Charlton.
The former BTEC Sports Science student at Christ the King College: St Mary’s in Sidcup also played for Australian side Melbourne Fusion and for MPS Lady Crusaders in the American state of Massachusetts.
A statement from Charlton Athletic said: "The club were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former women’s team player Katie Sheppard.
"The thoughts of everyone at Charlton Athletic are with Katie’s family at this difficult time."
Current women’s team manager Stuart Weston, who managed Katie while she played for the reserve side, added: “Katie was a lovely person and a very talented footballer.
Read the latest tributes to Katie here.
“She was popular with her teammates and she will be missed hugely by everyone who got to know her during her time at Charlton.”
West Ham United tweeted tributes to her this lunchtime, saying: "The thoughts of everyone at #WHUFC are with the family of former @Westhamladies player Katie Sheppard.
"Katie, a midfielder, tragically passed away at the age of 20. She will be missed by everyone at the Club. RIP"
Other tributes to Katie have been flooding the social networking site:
R.I.P Katie Sheppard god has truly gained another angel. Former baller for @Westhamladies pic.twitter.com/H2vtJt1Cg0
— Adam Loveday (@Adam16WHU) July 5, 2014
Rip katie sheppard you will be missed by many. A magpie i played football with for many years, so many memories never forgotten. ⚽️💐💙💖
— berri (@berricrawfordX) July 5, 2014
Rest in peace Katie Sheppard - former player for West Ham ladies who bled claret and blue. pic.twitter.com/U7NXg4RNNt
— West Ham Central (@WestHam_Central) July 4, 2014
Katie Sheppard has died? Wow. She was lovely, thoughts to all her family. Very sad news.
— The Don (@donsimon78) July 3, 2014
KATIE SHEPPARD: The thoughts of everyone at #WHUFC are with the family of former @Westhamladies player Katie Sheppard pic.twitter.com/85mbDwaxDq
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) July 8, 2014
Did you know Katie and would like to leave a tribute? Post below, call 01689 885702 or e-mail tim.macfarlan@london.newsquest.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here