Cricket umpire Alcwyn Jenkins died after he was struck in the head from a ball thrown by a fielder during a Welsh cricket league match.

“I’m led to believe it was one of the most freak accidents you could ever imagine on the cricket field,” said Neil Hobbs, honorary chairman of the South Wales Cricket Association.

Jenkins was 72-years old.

“I’ve umpired with Alcwyn — great guy,” Hobbs said. “He was well-respected throughout the league and everybody knew Alcwyn.”

The 25-year veteran umpire was airlifted to the nearest hospital but he never recovered from the injury.

“Everybody probably in south Wales knows Alcwyn through cricket,” Hobbs said. “It’s a very very sad day and I feel sorry for his children.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his friends and family.