British cricketer killed in armed robbery in Trinidad

An aspiring British cricketer has been killed by ‘bandits’ during an armed robbery in Trinidad in the Carribean.

According to a local newspaper Newsday, 22-year-old Adrian St John from London was shot in the head on Sunday as he and his friends drove away from armed robbers who had stolen their mobile phones and cash.  Tributes were paid to St John on Twitter by friends and fellow cricketers at the Clubs he played for the news of his death emerged.

West Indies cricket star Chris Gayle, whose academy St John was part of, also paid condolences to the young cricketers’ family on social media.

Robbers killed him for a mobile phone.

“In utter shock to hear that one of my good friends Adrian has passed away. One of the funniest and nicest people,” Tommy Smith tweeted.
“All he ever wanted to do is play cricket, I wish I could do more for him RIP AJ,” tweeted Donovan Miller, programme manager for the Chris Gayle Foundation.
“Tragic news. A lovely lad and a talented cricketer. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Adrian St John,” tweeted Surrey-based Southern Railway, Kenley and Selsdon Cricket Club.

Adrian’s family is devastated.

Alleyn Cricket Club, based in south London, tweeted: “Adrian St John, who played for us 85 times from 2009 to 2014, has been murdered in Trinidad. We’re devastated.”

“Saddened by the news of the death of one of our Alumni, Adrian St John. Our prayers are with his family. RIP Adrian,” the University of Hertfordshire men’s cricket team tweeted.
The Chris Gayle Foundation aims to “improve access to good-quality education, training and employment for at-risk young people in Jamaica and the UK”.

The cricket academies it runs offer young people a chance to play matches “as a focus for the development of their communication skills, teamwork and collective pride in their achievements”.