Former Australian all-around athlete Andrew Symonds has died in a car crash at the age of 46, as announced by Cricket Australia.
The great cricketer was involved in a car crash on Saturday night in the Hervey Ranges near Townsville in northeastern Australia.
Queensland Police said in a statement: “Initial information indicates that shortly after 11pm, the vehicle was driving on Hervey Range Road near Alice River Bridge when it left the roadway and rolled over.
“Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and lone occupant, however, he died from his injuries.
“Forensic Accidents Unit is investigating.”
Cricket Australia says: ‘Queenslander is a greater number than life’. Photo: AP
Cricket Australia described Symonds as “a cult hero at the height of his international career and one of the best all-round players Australian cricket has ever seen”.
“Queenslander is a larger-than-life character who attracted a wide fan base during his prime years not only because of his difficult hitting ways but also because of his childish personality, ” it added.
Symonds played 26 test games for Australia and was crowned two centuries ago, but he is better known as a cross-border specialist.
He played 198 international matches in one day for Australia and won two World Cups.
After retiring, Symonds became a commentator for cricket television stations.
Former teammates and rivals including Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan paid tribute to Symonds, affectionately known as “Roy”.
Former sports goalkeeper Gilchrist tweeted crying and heartbreaking emojis with the simple message: “This really hurts. #Roy #rip”
Former England captain Vaughan wrote: “Simmo.. This doesn’t feel real.. #RIP”.
