Tributes paid to former Hucknall cricketer

Josh Downie collapsed while at a cricket nets training session in Liverpool where he had recently moved to to start a new teaching career.

He was rushed to hospital, but never regained conciousness.

Josh played for Hucknall, Fikserton & Thurgaton and Burton Joyce in the Nottinghamshire Premier League.

He played for Hucknall between 2016 and 2020.

On it’s Facebook page, the club wrote: “Josh was a rare example of someone who got along with everyone and who made every room he walked into a little brighter.

"It was rare to see Josh without a smile on his face, and this is how we will all remember him.”

The club also paid tribute on its Twitter page @HucknallCC, tweeting: "JD touched the lives of so many through his warm nature, infectious laugh and precocious talent.

“Thoughts are with his wonderful family and friends at this time. Gone far too soon. Rest In Peace Legend. #BatLikeJosh.”

Josh came from a talented sporting family, led by his sisters Becky and Ellie, both international gymnasts.

Paying tribute, Becky tweeted: “No words can describe the pain we are feeling as a family now.

"The world is cruel sometimes and no-one is ever prepared for anything like this to happen.

“Josh, you were the most amazing brother with one of the biggest hearts I know.

“You will always be my little brother and I will love and miss you for the rest of my life.

"A life without you is unimaginable and not one I ever wanted to live but know you will never be forgotten.

“We will always be the Downie 5.”

On it’s Twitter feed, @NottsPrem, the Notts Premier League said: “Everybody within the #NPL community is incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Josh Downie, aged just 24.

"Our deepest thoughts go out to Josh’s family at this time, as well as all of those who knew him from his spells with @HucknallCC and Fiskerton & Thurgarton CC."

And former Nottinghamshire batsman Jake Libby, who now plays for Worcestershire, tweeted: “What terrible news, loved batting and sharing a changing room with him, absolute legend of a bloke.

"So sad, thoughts with you all and his family in this horrid time. RIP Josh.”