Post by BigFaker on Mar 22, 2009 16:30:38 GMT -5
Leon Walker, of rugby league team Wakefield Wildcats, has died today at the age of 21, following injuries he sustained during a reserve team match.
www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/rugby_league/article2334299.ece
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WAKEFIELD are in mourning after the death of reserve player Leon Walker.
The Wildcats' tie at Celtic Crusaders was called off tonight.
Walker, 21, collapsed during a reserve game at Maesteg earlier today following an “innocuous” tackle.
He was flown to hospital in Swansea by air ambulance but was later pronounced dead from a suspected head injury.
It is the second such tragedy to rock the Wildcats this season after prop Adam Watene collapsed and died during a weight-training session.
Wildcats chairman Ted Richardson Said: "This is a tragic loss for all involved with rugby league.
"Clearly everybody at the club is devestated by this news and all our sympathies and prayers are with the family at this time."
Nigel Wood, RFL chief executive, said: "This is truly shocking and tragic news and our heartfelt condolences go to the parents, family and friends of Leon as well as the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats club.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those involved at this devastating time."
Walker, a second rower or loose forward, signed for Wakefield in November 2008 having spent three years at Salford City Reds where he earned representative honours with Yorkshire and England in 2007.
Reds’ chief executive David Tarry said: “This is a devastating loss for the sport and for everybody connected with the Reds.
"Leon was an extremely likable young man with a bright career in the game ahead of him who had learnt his trade at The Willows.
"The Club is in shock and his untimely death is a great loss for the whole family of Rugby League.
"Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends at this terrible, terrible time.
"Our thoughts are also with our friends at Wakefield Wildcats who have now suffered a further tragic loss in recent months.”
Before joining Salford Walker played for amateur side Churwell Chiefs.
www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/rugby_league/article2334299.ece
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WAKEFIELD are in mourning after the death of reserve player Leon Walker.
The Wildcats' tie at Celtic Crusaders was called off tonight.
Walker, 21, collapsed during a reserve game at Maesteg earlier today following an “innocuous” tackle.
He was flown to hospital in Swansea by air ambulance but was later pronounced dead from a suspected head injury.
It is the second such tragedy to rock the Wildcats this season after prop Adam Watene collapsed and died during a weight-training session.
Wildcats chairman Ted Richardson Said: "This is a tragic loss for all involved with rugby league.
"Clearly everybody at the club is devestated by this news and all our sympathies and prayers are with the family at this time."
Nigel Wood, RFL chief executive, said: "This is truly shocking and tragic news and our heartfelt condolences go to the parents, family and friends of Leon as well as the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats club.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those involved at this devastating time."
Walker, a second rower or loose forward, signed for Wakefield in November 2008 having spent three years at Salford City Reds where he earned representative honours with Yorkshire and England in 2007.
Reds’ chief executive David Tarry said: “This is a devastating loss for the sport and for everybody connected with the Reds.
"Leon was an extremely likable young man with a bright career in the game ahead of him who had learnt his trade at The Willows.
"The Club is in shock and his untimely death is a great loss for the whole family of Rugby League.
"Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends at this terrible, terrible time.
"Our thoughts are also with our friends at Wakefield Wildcats who have now suffered a further tragic loss in recent months.”
Before joining Salford Walker played for amateur side Churwell Chiefs.
