Exciting young cricketer Tom Maynard died at the age of 23, after being struck by a London underground train in the early hours of Monday morning.
Metropolitan police confirmed Maynard had been pulled over by the police for "driving erratically" at around 4.00 am. Maynard, the son of former England Test cricketer Matthew Maynard, reportedly left his Mercedes and ran on foot, and his body was found an hour later at the underground tracks near Wimbledon Park station.
A Metropolitan police statement said: "At approx 4.15am on Monday, 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."
British Transport Police later issued a statement Maynard had been struck by a train. "The incident was reported to BTP at 05.03am and was also attended by Metropolitan police officers. London Ambulance Service medics attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident was reported to BTP at 05.03am and is currently being treated as non-suspicious."
Maynard, who was seen to be a certain England player in the future, moved to Surrey from Glamorgan last winter and Surrey chairman Richard Thompson said Maynard was destined for great things. "Our thoughts at this awful time are with Tom's family and friends.
"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."
Surrey postponed their T20 match against Hampshire that was to be played on Wednesday at the Oval as a mark of respect. England and West Indies also cancelled press conferences on Monday after hearing about the player's death. However, the one-day match between the two sides is expected to be played on Tuesday.
The chairman of the England and Wales cricket board said: "This is a very sad day for everyone connected with Surrey and Glamorgan where Tom spent the early part of his career.
"Tom was a player of enormous potential who had already represented England Lions and had an exciting future ahead of him. Our hearts go out to the Maynard family for their tragic loss and we send them and all Tom's many friends and colleagues within the game our deepest sympathies."
This is the third tragedy that has struck Surrey Cricket Club in recent times, with former England cricketer Ben Hollioake passing away after suffering an accident in Australia in 2002 while Graham Kersey died in a car accident in Brisbane in 1997.
Adam Hollioake, Ben's brother wrote on twitter: "Wot is going on at Surrey? R we cursed or something? Graham Kersey, my bro, now this.... Treasure every moment with loved ones x."
Player around the world expressed their shock at Maynard's untimely death. Former England stars Andrew Flintoff and Michael Vaughan took to twitter to give their condolences. "Tragic news that a great lad, Tom Maynard is no longer with us. All my thoughts are with his family at this awful time," Flintoff said.
Vaughan wrote: "Thoughts are with Matt Maynard and his family. Words can't describe the terribly sad news that Tom Maynard has died aged 23... #RIPTOM."
Meanwhile, the Independent Police Complaints Commission said they might review the death of Maynard. "Once a formal referral has been received from the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) an assessment will take place regarding the level of IPCC involvement," the IPCC said in a statement.
