New Delhi: Andrew Symonds, the former Australian all-rounder, and a key member of the One-day international Australian side that won successive World Cups died in a car crash just around midnight in Townsville, Queensland on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.
Andrew Symonds was 46.
The Police and cricket sources have confirmed the news.
“Early information indicates, shortly after 11 pm, the car was being driven on Hervey Range Road, near Alice River Bridge when it left the roadway and rolled. Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant, however, he died of his injuries. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating,” said a Police statement.
This is another big blow for Australia in general and Australian cricket, in particular, following the recent passing away of Rodney Marsh and spin legend Shane Warne.
Andrew Symonds played 26 Tests and 198 ODIs for Australia in an international career spanning from 1998 through 2009.
Symonds was a two-time World Cup winner during Australia’s wins in 2003 and 2007.
In a statement, police said they were investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash in Hervey Range, around 50 kilometres southwest of Townsville.
Former teammates and players from other countries expressed their grief online.
Adam Gilchrist tweeted, “This really hurts”.
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) May 14, 2022
Jason Gillespie said, “Horrendous news to wake up to. Utterly devastated. We are all gonna miss you mate.”
Horrendous news to wake up to.
Utterly devastated. We are all gonna miss you mate.☹️ #RIPRoy— Jason Gillespie 🌱 (@dizzy259) May 14, 2022
Former Pakistan tearaway Shoaib Akthar, expressing his sorrow, tweeted, “Devastated to hear about Andrew Symonds passing away in a car crash in Australia. We shared a great relationship on & off the field. Thoughts & prayers with the family.”
Devastated to hear about Andrew Symonds passing away in a car crash in Australia. We shared a great relationship on & off the field. Thoughts & prayers with the family. #AndrewSymonds pic.twitter.com/QMZMCwLdZs
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 14, 2022
(With agency inputs)
