In a bizarre incident, a cricket umpire died after being hit by a ball on the head during a cricket match. Veteran John Williams, who became an umpire after retiring from cricket, passed away on Thursday almost a month after getting injured during a Division Two game between Pembroke and Narberth at Treleet on July 15. The 80-year-old was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff following the tragedy, where he was left in an induced coma. Former India Cricketer VB Chandrasekhar Dies at 57; Harbhajan Singh, Abhinav Mukund Offer Condolences to Family.

Pembrokeshire Cricket announced the umpire’s demise on its twitter handle: Sad news this morning regarding umpire John Williams. John passed away this morning with his family at his bedside. Thoughts of all of Pembrokeshire Cricket are with Hilary and the boys at this difficult and sad time.” Nathan Coulter-Nile to Play for Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League 2019-20.

Veteran Umpire John Williams Passes Away

A report from BBC stated that the veteran umpire, who had stepped in as umpire in the last minute for the game, was transferred to Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest where he breathed his last two weeks after being admitted.

Williams served as a secretary of Hundleton Cricket club in addition to umpiring. “He was a grand gentleman, truly a gent from a cricketing point of view, and he gave up a tremendous amount of his time for the sport,” said Robert Simons, who was the other umpire in the Division Two game.  "I mean, he was willing to officiate even in his 80th year.

Williams Served as Secretary of Hundleton Cricket club

It's very, very sad. The whole of Pembrokeshire cricket would say the same of him. There's not many of them around. A marvellous chap. I was officiating as the other umpire... It was traumatic,” he added.

Reports claimed that the Pembroke-Narberth game was stopped immediately after the incident. Mr Williams was first treated in the field by ambulance service before being flown to the University hospital in Wales.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2019 08:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).