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Leon Walker; Rest In Peace
Topic Started: Monday, 23. March 2009, 01:30 (431 Views)
crispy
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Quote:
 
Rugby league player dies in game

A Wakefield rugby league player has died after collapsing during a reserve team game against Celtic Crusaders at Maesteg on Sunday.

Leon Walker, 21, collapsed in the 63rd minute and was airlifted to Morriston Hospital, Swansea, where he was pronounced dead.

He is the second Wakefield player to die in the last six months.

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

The reserve team game at Maesteg kicked off at 1500 GMT and the Super League clash between the two clubs, due to start four hours later, was called off.

Wakefield Chairman Ted Richardson said: "This is a tragic loss for all involved with Rugby League.

"Clearly everybody at the club is devastated 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.

Before joining Salford, he played for amateur side Churwell Chiefs.

When Watene died last year, the Wildcats were still mourning the sudden death of Great Britain and Wakefield legend David Topliss, who collapsed during a five-a-side football match in June at the age of 58.

The club also lost two members of their 1968 Challenge Cup final team during 2008.

In August, Don Fox, who was the Lance Todd Trophy winner in their Wembley defeat by Leeds, lost his long battle with illness, and in December centre Ken Hirst passed away.

In addition, prop forward Richard Moore has yet to play this season after being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.

And only last month, stand-off Jamie Rooney revealed his heart stopped for 30 seconds during routine knee surgery and he had to be resuscitated.


Awfully tragic news - my heart goes out to Leon's family, and to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and their friends. Rugby League is a very family orientated sport, and the tragic death of Leon Walker will send shockwaves across the Rugby League community.

Rest In Peace Leon.
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Jinxy ref
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jacktheref_2008

RIP Leon mate.

1 warrior died over here about a month ago after getting washed out to sea :(
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McKav
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It is always horrible to hear of a young sportsman dying, especially at such a young age at the peak of physical fitness.

The only small comfort (and it is incredibly small) is that he died playing a game he loved.

Best wishes to his family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
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