Cricketer Tom Maynard dies, 23

[Stuart Wallis]

TOM Maynard, the talented young Surrey batsman, has died age 23.

He was pronounced dead after being hit by a District Line train on the London Underground in the early hours of Monday (June 18), according to the British Transport Police (BTP).

Police say a man matching Maynard's description was seen running from a Mercedes near to Wimbledon Park London Undeground station, after it was stopped by police for driving "erratically".

The cricketer was then struck on the line near to the station just after 5am.

The incident has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The BTP said the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "At approx 4.15m on Monday, 18 June, officers stopped a vehicle after it was seen being driven erratically in Arthur Road, SW19.

"The male driver of the vehicle - a black Mercedes C250 - made off on foot.

"Officers were unable to locate the man.

"At approx 5.10am the body of a man fitting the same description was found on tracks near Wimbledon Park station."

Maynard joined Surrey from Glamorgan 18 months ago and his enormous talent was still only coming to fruition as he played a series of exciting innings.

He had been tipped to play international cricket, like his father Matthew.

Tributes have been pouring in for the young sportsman.

Surrey chairman Richard Thompson commented: "Our thoughts at this awful time are with Tom's family and friends and all those that were close to him.

"Tom Maynard was a prodigiously talented young batsman who had made an incredible start to his career and was clearly destined for far greater things.

"The impact Tom made in such a short period of time for Surrey spoke for itself. There is a profound sense of loss at the passing of Tom. To lose anybody at such a young age is an utterly senseless tragedy."

A BTP spokesman said: “BTP officers were called to the line near Wimbledon Park London Underground station on Monday, 18 June after a man was struck by a District Line train.

“The incident was reported to BTP at 5.03am and was also attended by Metropolitan Police officers.

“London Ambulance Service medics attended but the man, believed to be 23 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner."

According to Surrey County Cricket Club, Surrey’s Friends Life t20 game against the Hampshire Royals at the Kia Oval that was scheduled for Wednesday (June 20) has been postponed as a mark of respect.

What a tragic waste, and a tragic et of circumstances.

[Rob McCow]

A sad loss of life; although the circumstances seem to be very unclear. The end result is the same though.

[Richard Brinck-Johnsen]

I was reading about this at lunch time. Dreadfully sad.