West Indies cricketer Runako Morton was murdered in a vehicle accident on Sunday night after he lost control of his automobile and hit a post.
Port of Spain, Trinidad: West Indies cricketer Runako Morton was killed in a road accident on Sunday night when he lost control of his automobile and hit a pole.
Morton, who was 33, died on the spot, it has been revealed.
Morton played 15 Test matches, 56 One-day internationals and seven Twenty20s for the West Indies since making his international debut in 2002.
He scored 573 runs in Tests at an average of 22.03 and 1519 in ODIs with an average of 33.75.
He last played in February 2010 in a Twenty20 against Australia in Sydney.
Morton had represented Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands and Nevis. He scored 5980 runs at an average of 39.60 in a first class career that extended over 17 years.
Several international cricketers have mourned the passing of the Caribbean cricketer.
West Indies batsman Chris Gayle, tweeted, “We lost a True Warrior W.I Cricketer Runako Morton-May is soul rest in peace! Our memories together Live On!-My Condolences to his Family.”
West Indies player Carlos Brathwaite also condoled Morton’s passing on his twitter feed.
“RIP Runacko Morton. Gone but not forgotten,” he tweeted.
England batting great Kevin Pietersen also voiced his disbelief on Twitter.
“My prayers go out to Runako Morton’s family this morning… Such awful news!! What a great person & fierce competitor!! RIP bossman!!!” he said.
Morton’s former IPL side Rajasthan Royals also tweeted, “Sad to learn about the news of West Indian cricketer Runako Morton passing away in a car accident…RIP!”
Morton’s career was plagued with various controversies.
He was expelled from the West Indian Academy in July 2001, for a series of rule infractions. He had also lied about the death of his grandmother to pull out of the ICC Champions Trophy in September 2002.
His career struck a bottom when he was arrested in January 2004, following a stabbing incident.
Morton and Leeward Islands all-rounder Tonito Willett were also arrested, before being released on bail, in March last year for possession of marijuana.