'Terrible tragedy': Rugby league rocked by death of 23-year-old star
The rugby league community is mourning the tragic death of former Super League player Liam Walsh.
The 23-year-old was fatally struck by a car while walking in Widnes this week.
Walsh was transferred to hospital but later died from his injuries.
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The Widnes Vikings, who Walsh represented in the Super League, announced the shocking news.
βI am devastated to hear the news of Liam's passing this morning," Widnes CEO Phil Finney said.
βLiam was a very special person and a very important part of our club for a number of years.
βHe made a lasting impression on everyone he met with his sense of humour and contagious personality.
βHe was a one-off and will be remembered with great fondness by all at the club who had the pleasure of knowing him.
βWe are all thinking about his family and friends at this really sad time.β
Widnes Vikings are deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic passing of former player Liam Walsh at the age of 23.
In honour of Liam, our players will be observing a minutes silence today.
Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.https://t.co/XxQHT4un5l pic.twitter.com/KY5hAgvzQcβ Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) September 19, 2021
Rugby league world rocked by terrible tragedy
Mike Smith, vice-president of the Rugby Football League, said: βThis is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to Liam's family and friends.
βFrom what I hear of Liam, it is clear that he was a very popular young man of whom his family can be extremely proud.
βHe'll be greatly missed and we will offer the club and the family whatever support we can.β
Walsh made his Super League debut for Widnes in 2017, playing six games across a two-year period.
His former club wore black armbands and held a minute's silence for Walsh before their game against Swinton Lions.
Players also laid out a jersey with Walsh's name and the number 23.
R.I.P. Walshy π€#COYVπ pic.twitter.com/jDUjjxCmTj
β Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) September 19, 2021
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said they are still appealing for witnesses and video footage following the fatal crash.
No arrests have been made but police are asking anyone with information to contact them.
Tributes have been flowing in for Walsh on social media.
Everyone at the Hornets is devastated at the tragic passing of our player and friend Liam Walsh at the age of 23 π
Our thoughts are with his family and friends as we mourn the loss of this beautiful young man ππ pic.twitter.com/DmDQZcI43Iβ Halton Farnworth Hornets (@hfharl) September 19, 2021
We are heartbroken to learn of the news that former Widnes Vikings player and England Academy star Liam Walsh has sadly passed away at the age of 23.
The thoughts of everyone at the Rugby Football League are with Liamβs family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Hd6ovcluz4β Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) September 19, 2021
Lytham Town are saddened to hear of the passing of Liam Walsh, aged just 23π
Both our first team and reserve team will be observing a minutes silence for Liam on Saturday
May he rest in peace β€οΈ pic.twitter.com/oAOASE6edZβ LYTHAM TOWN FC (@lythamfc) September 20, 2021
Everyone at North Wales Crusaders is devastated to hear that Liam Walsh, who featured for us on dual registration in 2019, has sadly passed away.
Our condolences go out to Liamβs family and friends at this sad time.
RIP, Liam https://t.co/KSicHS4T2Lβ North Wales Crusaders (@NWCrusaders) September 19, 2021
Forever a Viking and Widnes legend in the hearts of the vikings hearts, taken too soon for a young, promising and sound lad, swept away from widnes and the RL community but never forgotten, RIP Liam Walsh. https://t.co/pgST0UxY1B
β Lewis Cornesβ«οΈβͺοΈ (@LewisWooly) September 21, 2021
If you can, please support @WidnesRL and visit Liam Walshβs @gofundme page.
Or simply comment on the attached post.#RugbyLeague https://t.co/7aM3owZPETβ Oldham RLFC (@Roughyeds) September 21, 2021
π π― A Celebration of Life book will be available for people to write in from 7pm this evening in the Hornets Nest for those wishing to pay their respects to Liam Walsh πππ€
You can also still donate to give him the best send off - https://t.co/yK55GziwYM pic.twitter.com/RBByV5KL3Hβ Halton Farnworth Hornets (@hfharl) September 21, 2021
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