County Cricketer Dies At Tube Station

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Promising batsman pronounced dead at the scene

County cricketer Tom Maynard has died after being hit by a tube train at Wimbledon Park station on Monday morning (June 18).

The 23-year-old Surrey batsman (right) was pronounced dead at the scene after he was struck by a District Line train at 5am.

Police had been trying to stop a black Mercedes C250 being driven erratically nearly an hour earlier in Arthur Road, Wimbledon.

The driver got out and made off on foot. Police couldn't find him, but his description matched that of the body found at the station.

Mr Maynard's family have thanked people who've sent them messages of support following his death.

They issued the following statement on Tuesday (June 19): "The Maynard family would like to thank everyone for the many messages of support following Tom’s tragic death in London yesterday morning.

“As you can appreciate, the news has come as a devastating blow and although the family is grateful for all the kind messages of sympathy, we would ask that we can be left to grieve in private at this very difficult and sad time for us."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "At approx 0415hrs on Monday, 18 June, officers stopped a vehicle after it was seen being driven erratically in Arthur Road.

"The male driver of the vehicle - a black Mercedes C250 - made off on foot Officers were unable to locate the man.

"At approx 0510hrs the body of a man fitting the same description was found on tracks near Wimbledon Park station."

The Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) have been informed. The IPCC is duty-bound to investigate deaths of people who come into contact with police

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "BTP officers were called to the line near Wimbledon Park station 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.

"The incident is currently being treated as non-suspicious. A file will be prepared for the Coroner."

Surrey Cricket Club chairman Surrey Chairman Richard Thompson said: "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 CCC 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."

Mr Maynard, who played for Surrey in their T20 match against Kent on Sunday (June 17), was the son of former England player and coach Matthew Maynard. He had been selected for the England Lions last winter.

Surrey have postponed their T20 fixture against Hampshire that was due to be played at The Oval on Wednesday (June 20) as a mark of respect.

June 18, 2012