Former Australian Batsman and Cricket commentator Dean Jones, aged 59 passed away this afternoon after suffering a cardiac arrest in Mumbai.
Jones who was in India for his commentary duties with Star Sports faced a massive heart attack around 12 pm at his Mumbai hotel room.
Jones who played 164 ODIs and 52 tests scored 6,068 and 3,631 runs respectively.
Star India issued a statement informing about his sudden demise – “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones AM. He died of a sudden cardiac arrest. We express our deep condolences to his family and stand ready to support them in this difficult time. We are in touch with the Australian High Commission to make the necessary arrangements.”
Dean Jones was one of the great ambassadors of the game associating himself with Cricket development across South Asia. He was passionate about discovering new talent and nurturing young Cricketers. He was a champion commentator whose presence and presentation of the game always brought joy to millions of fans. He will be sorely missed by everyone at Star and his millions of fans across the globe.”
Cricketing world around the globe took to twitter to offer their condolences and remember him on this tragic incident.
No, Deano. No. I am speechless. And in shock. And refusing to accept.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 24, 2020
Everyone has stories to tell of Deano. Always wonderful to talk to, always provocative and one of the great lovers of cricket. In grief. https://t.co/vwR0Rvlj6o
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 24, 2020
You disagreed with Deano, you pulled his leg more than you might with others. But that was because he was game. And when he came up with a theory, you always listened because it was backed by numbers. He loved cricket but that was only one of the reasons we loved him. So so sad
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 24, 2020
Shocking news… This year gets even worse. Was joking with Deano last week about carrying a red book with me to the match. Terrible… My heartfelt Condolences to the family. 🙏🏽
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) September 24, 2020
I can’t believe this news. So very sad to hear about this. Rip Deano, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Mc8h36gnWe
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) September 24, 2020
Awful to hear the news of Dean Jones passing away in Mumbai. He was a wonderful player for Australia and he will be missed. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Deano https://t.co/AmVhQiNEe2
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) September 24, 2020
Very, very sad news. Rest in Peace, Professor Deano. Sending my condolences to his loved ones.
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) September 24, 2020
Our family here lost one of our dearest members, who kept us all in happy high spirits at all times.. There wasn’t ever a moment without his joke, a story or just that warm happy smile. Saw him last this morning his usual charged up self prepping for dugout .. Gone too soon Deano
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) September 24, 2020
Horrible news to wake up to…
You were more than a player I had played against, you were my friend, my brother. Will deeply miss your smile & your presence where ever cricket is played around the world.
Rest In Peace Deano man. The world needed more from you! Always in my ❤️ pic.twitter.com/N9gwAoUgSc
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) September 24, 2020
Saddened to hear the news of Dean Jones passing away. Still cannot believe it. Was one of my favourite commentators, he was on air in many of my landmarks. Had really fond memories with him. Will miss him. pic.twitter.com/FZBTqIEGdx
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 24, 2020
Absolutely heartbreaking news about Dean Jones passing away.
A wonderful soul taken away too soon. Had the opportunity to play against him during my first tour of Australia.
May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to his loved ones. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/u6oEY1h7zz— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 24, 2020
Such sad news. Growing up as a young kid watching his highlights inspired me to play the game. You will be sadly missed mate. RIP Deano 🙏🏻💙
— Peter Siddle (@petersiddle403) September 24, 2020
Famously called as Professor Deano, he last did commentary in yesterday’s clash between MI vs KKR.