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(HOLLYSCOOP) -- David Beckham is reportedly devastated after hearing news that his grandfather has passed away. According to the Daily Mail, David was very close with 83-year old Joe West, who acted like a mentor to the soccer star.

Beckham received the terrible news today just hours after he arrived in South Africa to help England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup. David had just flown into Cape Town to fulfill his commitments, and now his family is urging him to stay to finish his job.

A friend said: "David is absolutely devastated. He was so close to Joe, who was his mentor. He'd only just got off the plane when he heard the news.

"His family are urging him to stick to his work commitments and leave at the end of the week, but there is no way that David wants to miss Joe's funeral. If he has to fly home, then so be it."

Joe came down with a serious illness in August, and the Beckhams rushed back from LA to the UK after he was taken into hospital.

Such sad news. Even when a close family member is already ill, there’s nothing to prepare you for their death. We wish David and the Beckham family our condolences at this time.

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