Collins began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers and spent time in Port Vale, Barnsley, Northampton Town, Mansfield Town, and Forest Green Rovers before joining Yeovil in 2019.
He played his last team game on February 6 against Stockport.
Yeovil, who did not disclose the cause of Collins’ death, was due to play Altrincham in the National League on Friday. But the match was postponed.
“Yeovil Town Football Club is mourning the loss of team captain Lee Collins,” the club said in a statement.
“Lee passed away yesterday, and our thoughts and prayers go to all his family and friends.
“We urge everyone to respect family privacy at this time.”
BBC Radio Somerset spokesman for Yeovil Town Sheridan Robins told BBC Sport: “The most important thing for everyone to hear is a profound shock.
“He was a real winner. When he first joined the club, we were in trouble as we got relegated to the National League.
“In his interview, he said he was not going to make friends but wanted to win.
“He wore his heart in the arm on the pitch and was known for his leadership. He was a role model captain. And he did his best in those 90 minutes to win three points.”
Injuries for most of the season have plagued Collins. But he returned to the bench last week in a 3-1 win over Barnet.
“After the game finished, I had spoken to Yeovil manager Darren Sarll. And he told me how happy he was for Lee’s return,” added Robins.
“He’s been a midfielder, and we haven’t seen him play much this season due to injury.”
A minute of silence will take place in all National League matches on Friday.
Great footballer John Radford says, “Shocked to learn of the passing of our former defender and captain, Lee Collins.
A no-nonsense, after battling braveheart on the field and a gentleman off it. A man who always gave his all in colors. We’ll be observing a minute’s silence tomorrow in Lee’s memory.”
An official account of Forest Green Rovers, the world’s greenest football club, tweeted, “We’re sad to hear of the passing of former FGR captain Lee Collins.
Lee played for Rovers between 2017 and 2019. Making 64 appearances and our thoughts are with Lee’s family during this time.”
Defender Collins began his career with the Wolves and had extended for a long time with Port Vale, Northampton, Mansfield, and Forest Green before joining Yeovil in 2019.
He has played 38 times in total for Yeovil.
He has played 38 times in total for Yeovil, including eight times this season.
Former Wolves player Karl Henry was one of those who paid homage to Collins on social media.
Henry wrote on Twitter: “This is sad news. I remember Lee as a young player at Wolves, and he was a good boy with a good character.”
Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who played for Collins in Northampton, said: “It’s such a sad story. My teammate always helped me when I was a little passing boy. Thoughts go out to his friends and family at such a difficult time.”
Collins played 163 times for Port Vale, who initially impressed on loan and Tom Pope. Who played with him for the Valiants told the club’s website: “Lee was a tough, fit, talented footballer. Our founder, Editor.
“He was a heart-wrenching person in our dressing room. I am very disappointed, and my heart goes out to Lee’s family, friends, and colleagues at this time.”
Collins’ Yeovil partner and defender Carl Dickinson tweeted: “My Captain !!!” followed by a broken heart and a green heart emoji.
Mansfield Town owner John Radford is also honored, remembering Collins as a “brave hero”, a team that will place him peacefully a minute before their League Two game against Leyton Orient on Friday.
Radford wrote on Twitter: “He was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of our former defender and former captain, Lee Collins. A senseless man, fighting bravely on the field with a gentleman who left him. A man who gave his all in the colors of Stags.
“We’ll be looking for a moment’s silence tomorrow in Lee’s memory.”
