ST. JOHN’S, Antigua-FORMER Leeward Islands opening batsman Hayden ‘Sharlo’ Walsh died at the age of 46 on Saturday (Jan. 9) while on an outing with his family at the Dove Cove Hotel.
According to reports out of Antigua, police are conducting “thorough investigations” to determine the cause of death. Initial reports indicated that there may have been foul play involved when he body was pulled from the hotel pool, but that has since been ruled out and the death is now believed to have been due to drowning or possibly a heart-attack.
Walsh was reportedly in the pool with his six-year-old twins and 14-year-old stepson when the unfortunate event took place between 4 and 5 p.m. at Dry Hill, about three miles outside of Antigua’s capital.
Walsh was a well-known cricketer throughout Antigua-Barbuda and the Leeward Islands, having represented the region in 18 first-class and 11 List-A matches between 1987 and 1999. He amassed 851 runs with an average of 28.36 during his illustrious career.
After stepping down from playing, Walsh continued to support his nation’s grassroots development in the sport through the establishment of The Antigua Technical Cricket Academy in 1999.
The former batsman also contributed significantly to cricket administration as a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association’s executive committee since 2004, while also serving as a technical advisor and coordinator for the nation’s school cricketing programme.
News of Walsh’s death spread quickly throughout the island, with West Indies Cricket Board Director Enoch Lewis, Leeward Islands Cricket Board President Gregory Shillingford and Antiguan coach Leon ‘Kuma’ Rodney all rushing to the scene after it happened.
Media reports indicate that Walsh’s family, including his three cricket playing brothers Audwin, Wade and Vaughn, have been dealing with the loss well.
He is remembered as a man who was ambitious in his love for cricket and was never afraid to share his knowledge with others for the betterment of the game.
