Cricket Umpire Dies After Being Hit in Head With Ball

A 72-year-old cricket umpire in Wales died on Saturday after he was hit in the head by a ball thrown by a player, an incident described as "one of the most freak accidents you could ever imagine on the cricket field."

The umpire, Alcwyn Jenkins, was working a match between Swansea and Llangennech, and he was hit in the head by a ball thrown by a fielder. He collapsed immediately and was airlifted to a hospital, but he could not be revived.

Neil Hobbs, honorary chairman of the South Wales Cricket Association, made the following statement:

"I've umpired with Alcwyn - great guy. He was well respected throughout the league and everybody knew Alcwyn.

"He's umpired for the best part of 25 years. He also does junior league matches.

"Everybody probably in south Wales knows Alcwyn through cricket. It's a very very sad day and I feel sorry for his children.

"I'm led to believe it was one of the most freak accidents you could ever imagine on the cricket field."

The match was canceled after Jenkins died.