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Cricketer dies in second tragedy at Saltford
A promising young cricketer tipped for professional success died after being pulled from the water near Saltford Weir.
Hamza Ali, 20, was swimming near the Jolly Sailor pub on Wednesday evening, close to where teenager Aaron Burgess drowned while cooling off with friends in 2012.
Ali, who was born in Bristol and played for Hampshire Cricket Club, was pulled from the river at about 5pm. He was airlifted to hospital, but died later.
is needed now More than ever
Cricket commentator Muhammid Wasim said: “Shocking news. My friend’s son, cricketer Hamza Ali is no more. He was just 20 RIP.
Shocking news. My friend’s son, @hantscricket & @RawalpindiRams cricketer Hamza Ali is no more.he was just 20#RIP pic.twitter.com/175XIpZnHS
— Muhammad Wasim (@MuhammadWasim77) June 9, 2016
Ali went to school at City Academy in Redfield and SGS College in Filton before joining Hampshire, where he played a first-class game at the start of this season.
Charlie Freeston, head of player development at Hampshire Cricket, said: “He was an incredibly committed and enthusiastic cricketer who always gave 100 per cent for the team that he was playing for.”
He added: “His impressive performances on the field quickly proved he could be part of Hampshire’s future. On behalf of myself, his coaches and all that played with Hamza, we would like to send our deepest condolences to his incredibly supportive family and friends at this difficult time.”
A man has died after being pulled from the River Avon at Saltford yesterday afternoon #BristolNews pic.twitter.com/t3gIr5CVXH
— Made in Bristol TV (@madeinbristoltv) June 9, 2016
An Avon & Somerset police spokesman said: “We were called to the River Avon at Saltford at 5.20pm yesterday to a report of a man who got into difficulty while swimming. He was taken to hospital where he sadly died.”
Burgess, 14, died at Saltford Weir in 2012 after sliding down the weir with friends. After his death the Canal & River Trust installed warning signs and a life ring.
Read more: Mayor signs book of condolences for boxer Muhammad Ali
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