A
Set short text size
A
Set default text size
A
Set large text size
New details have emerged of an accident that claimed the life of Australian cricket legend Andrew Symonds.
The former Test and limited-overs star died Saturday night when his car veered off the road and into Harvey Range, about 50 kilometers from Townsville.
Whelan Townson heard of the accident and rushed to the scene to save Symonds.
“He was stuck there, so I tried to get him out,” Townson told 9 News.
Andrew Symonds at the 2003 Cricket World Cup. (Photo by Nick Laham / Getty Images)
“(I) started doing CPR and tested his pulse but I didn’t get much response.”
Symonds was traveling with his two dogs, and the Blue Healers did not want to leave his side after the crash.
Former teammates and rivals alike paid tribute to Symonds after the news of his death broke.
Matthew Hayden, his great companion and longtime Queensland teammate, posted a heartfelt tribute to a “bloody good man” on Instagram.
“Simo once told me, ‘If you can’t say it in 3 words, it’s not worth listening to.’ Well Roy … ‘Bloody Good Block’ summarizes you. Make sure those XXXX bitter cans are beautiful and cool for #Albert when we next sip #Brokenheart #Reprieve #Quinslander #Fishing #Mets #Cricket, “he said.
Former captain Ricky Ponting says Symonds is just as loyal.
“If Roy shook your hand you would talk to him, he was such a guy and that’s why I always wanted him on my team,” he said.
“He is a great player and a very good man. I can’t believe he’s gone. Thoughts are with his family at this time. “
Adam Gilchrist tweeted: “I miss him so much … already. Really hurt. Rest Easy Royman.
“Think of your most loyal, funny, loving friend who will do something for you. That’s Roy.”
Even former Archbishop Nemesis Harbhajan Singh of Symonds has paid tribute.
Symonds accused Harbhajan of being a monkey during a fiery test at SCG in 2008, but the pair later made peace.
“I am shocked to hear of the sudden death of Andrew Symonds. It’s too late, “Harbhajan tweeted.
“My sincere condolences to the family and friends. Pray for the disembodied soul. ”
Fast bowler Brett Lee described him as one of the most talented athletes he has ever met.
Indian spinner Yuzbendra Chahal, who was Symonds’ teammate in the Mumbai Indians in 2011, was struggling to process his death.
“Today I lost the man closest to me,” he tweeted.
“You were not just a colleague. My family, my people, my Symonds uncle. I will miss you terribly. “
Indian great Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: “The death of Andrew Symonds is tragic news for all of us to exploit.
“He was not only a brilliant all-rounder, but also a live-on on the field.
“I have fond memories of the time we spent together at the Mumbai Indians. May his soul rest in peace, my condolences to his family and friends. ”
Symonds died shortly after the deaths of Australian cricket legends Shane Warne and Rod Marsh.
© AAP
