Andrew Symonds, the former Australian international cricketer, died in a car crash on Saturday night. He was 46.
The cricketer was reportedly the only passenger in the crash. It took place just outside of Townsville in his home state of Queensland. The police confirmed that a 46-year-old man had succumbed at the scene.
Shortly after 11 pm, the car was being driven on Hervey Range Road, near Alice River Bridge when it left the roadway and rolled, as per early information through the police statement.
“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,” the police statement read.
Symonds, who played as a right-handed batsman and was well-known for his sublime fielding whether in the outfield or inside the circle, was an integral part of Australia’s white-ball cricket between 1999 and 2007.
The former cricketer averaged 40.61 runs from 26 Tests for his country and featured in 198 ODIs (One Day Internationals) scoring six centuries and 30 half-centuries. He also contributed 133 wickets with his more than handy off-spin and medium pace and played 14 T20 Innings for Australia securing 337 runs and eight wickets.
Symonds was part of two World Cup-winning teams- 2003 and 2007. He was signed for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Deccan Chargers from Hyderabad as the second most expensive player in the league at the time. However, in the fourth season of the league, Symonds was contracted by the Mumbai Indians.
In 2012, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Cricketers and teams from all over the took to social media to pay their tributes and express condolences on the cricketer’s demise.
“Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Andrew Symonds. Gone too soon. Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Prayers for the departed soul #RIPSymonds,” wrote Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh.
Australian cricket club wrote, “Vale Andrew Symonds. We are shocked and saddened by the loss of the loveable Queenslander, who has tragically passed away at the age of 46.”
“The Club is shocked & saddened to learn of the passing of former overseas star and cult hero, Andrew Symonds. The thoughts of everyone at Kent Cricket are with Roy’s family & friends at this desperately sad time,” wrote Kent County Cricket Club.
Australian Cricketer Genn Maxwell wrote, “Can’t believe what I’ve just woken up to Thinking of his family, his teammates and everyone in the cricket community. We’ve lost another one of our hero’s #RIPRoy”
Recommended
Other Indian and International cricketers who paid their tribute on social media include Yuzvendra Chahal, Manoj Tiwary, Robin Uthappa, Wasim Jaffer, Shoeb Akhtar, Suresh Raina, Damien Fleming, and IPL teams including Gujarat Titans, Sun Risers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders, among several others.
Symonds is survived by his wife Laura and children Chloe and Billy.