Former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has died in a car crash aged 46, Cricket Australia has announced.
The cricket great was involved in a single-car crash on Saturday night in Hervey Range near Townsville in northeast Australia.
Queensland Police said in a statement: “Early information indicates, shortly after 11pm 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.”
Image: ‘The Queenslander was a larger-than-life figure’, says Cricket Australia. Pic: AP
Cricket Australia described Symonds as “a cult hero during the peak of his international playing career and one of the most skilled all-rounders Australian cricket has seen”.
“The Queenslander was a larger-than-life figure who drew a widespread fan base during his peak years for not only his hard-hitting ways but his larrikin persona,” it added.
Symonds played 26 test matches for Australia and posted two centuries, but he was better known as a limited-overs specialist.
He played 198 one-day international for Australia, and won two World Cups.
After retiring as a player, Symonds became a commentator for cricket broadcasters.
Former teammates and opponents including Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan paid tribute to Symonds, affectionately known as “Roy”.
Former wicketkeeper Gilchrist tweeted crying and heartbreak emojis followed by the simple message: “This really hurts. #roy #rip”
Ex-England captain Vaughan wrote: “Simmo .. This doesn’t feel real .. #RIP”.
