Wakefield Wildcats' played Leon Walker dies

Subject: Wakefield Wildcats' played Leon Walker dies Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:14 pm

The Rugby Football League has launched a full inquiry into Sunday's sudden death of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats player Leon Walker.

The 20-year-old died after collapsing during a reserve team game against Celtic Crusaders at Maesteg.

A spokesman for the RFL said the inquiry was normal procedure following such a serious incident.

And players involved in the game will also be offered a counselling service by the RFL.

As a mark of respect, a game-wide minute's silence will be observed ahead of all this weekend's fixtures - covering all grades and age groups of the game.

Walker, who signed for the club from Salford City Reds late last year, is the second Wildcats player to die in the last six months.

Cook Island international Adam Watene, 31, died after collapsing during a training session in October.

Last year also saw club and Great Britain legend David Topliss collapse and die aged 58 during a five-a-side football match in June, while two members of their 1968 Challenge Cup final team - Don Fox and Ken Hirst - also passed away.

Wakefield coach John Kear told BBC Sport that the club was shocked by Walker's sudden death.

"Leon was a very fine and very talented young player. He's passed away doing something he loved doing," he said.

"It's just a very very sad time and our thoughts, our sympathies, our prayers go out to Leon's family and everyone connected with the lad.

"Fate is really throwing a lot at us and we are having to deal with a lot.

"But this is a fine club and, with the support of everyone at the club and the rugby league family in general, we seem to come out of things stronger than ever. That's what we've got to endeavour to do."

Kear also confirmed that his side's Super League game against St Helens on Friday would go ahead as a mark of respect and to demonstrate the club's unity and strength

"We don't how we will react to it," he added. "We've got to endeavour to react as best as we possibly can.

"We are using all available avenues to make sure we can handle it and go forward. That's all we can do.

"He will be in our thoughts, not only at the present time and the immediate future but for a long, long time ahead as well."

Wakefield's community and marketing director James Elston said there was nothing untoward about the incident which led to Walker's death.

"He was making a tackle and, as play resumed, he remained on the floor," he explained.

"He had stopped breathing and, although the doctor managed to revive him and he started moving about, his breathing stopped again and we're pretty sure he was dead on the scene.

"Everybody dealt with it very well. We've got to give credit to the Celtic medical team."

A post-mortem was being held on Monday and an inquest is expected to be opened in Swansea later this week.

BBC Sport

A tragic loss. RIP Leon Walker.

Isnt this the second Wakey player to die in the last 6 month?

Correct, cursed or what?

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