Disturbing new details emerge after Andrew Symonds' tragic death

Queensland Police have provided fresh details about the circumstances surrounding the death of Andrew Symonds after the Aussie cricket great was killed in a car accident on Saturday night.

The 46-year-old died in a single-vehicle accident near his home in Hervey Range, about 50km from Townsville in northern Queensland.

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Police said they are investigating the accident, which appears to have occurred after Symonds' car left the roadway and rolled over.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Patrol Inspector Gavin Oates said he believed Symonds might have been ejected from the vehicle, with local residents rushing to his aid.

“It’s always confronting for the police who attend and traumatic for the family and friends of people who were involved in fatal accidents,” Oates said on Sunday morning.

“The accident was actually heard by people who live nearby, they were the first people on scene and alerted emergency services.

“They provided assistance that they could at the time and called 000.”

Inspector Oates said Symonds was being treated next to the car, but couldn't be revived.

Police also said Symonds was travelling with two animals at the time, which are being cared for by family and friends.

A witness has since contradicted the theory that Symonds was thrown from the vehicle, telling the Courier Mail she found Symonds still in the car with two blue heelers refusing to leave his side.

“One of them was very sensitive and didn’t want to leave him,” she said.

“It would just growl at you every time we tried to move him or go near him.

“My partner tried to get (Symonds) out of the car, to put him on to his back.

“He was unconscious, not responsive and had no pulse.”

Symonds' wife Laura has since spoken of her devastation, not only for herself but the couple's young children Chloe and Billy.

“We are still in shock,” she told the Courier Mail.

“I’m just thinking of the two kids. He was such a big person and there is just so much of him in his kids.”

Laura said her husband was “the most laid-back person”.

“Nothing stressed him out. He was an extremely chilled operator. So practical,” she said.

“He was never good with his phone but he always had time for everyone."

Symonds moved into the media in recent years, regularly commentating on Big Bash games for Fox Sports.

“He was a great commentator. He didn’t show it on the screen but he was really nervous sometimes,” Laura said.

“He could read plays and read players and articulate it in layman’s terms.

“I am not a cricket 'nuffy' but I could understand the game when he explained it to me. He brought humour to it and it was not serious.”

Cricket world in mourning after death of Andrew Symonds

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia chair Lachlan Henderson has also paid tribute to Symonds.

"Australian cricket has lost another of its very best," Henderson said in a statement.

"Andrew was a generational talent who was instrumental in Australia's success at World Cups and as part of Queensland's rich cricket history.

"He was a cult figure to many who was treasured by his fans and friends.

"On behalf of Australian cricket our deepest sympathies are with Andrew's family, teammates, and friends."

Symonds played 198 one-day internationals for Australia, as well as 26 Tests and 14 Twenty20 internationals.

However it was his exploits in the 50-over format that made him a household name around the world.

The all-rounder 5088 runs at ODI level at an average of 39.75, also taking 133 wickets.

The Queenslander was a key member of the Aussie teams that won back-to-back World Cups in 2003 and 2007.

Symonds finished his twin World Cup campaigns with two winners' medals, an average of 103, a strike rate of 93.29 and the adulation of fans around the world.

At Test level he scored 1462 runs at 40.61, taking 24 wickets.

He famously leapt into the arms of fellow Queenslander Matthew Hayden after scoring a century against England at the MCG in the 2006/07 Ashes series.

Symonds was also a brilliant fielder, renowned for pulling off a spectacular run out or outrageous catch just when his team needed it.

with AAP

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