The cricket world in South Africa woke to the news on Monday that ”larger-than-life” cricketer Lorrie Wilmot had died.
Inspector Mali Govender, police spokesperson for the Grahamstown area in the Eastern Cape, said it appeared Wilmot had taken his own life on Sunday evening by shooting himself.
His body was reportedly found by a neighbour with a suicide note nearby. He was seemingly alone at the time of his death.
A colleague said Wilmot had been experiencing personal problems recently.
Wilmot played cricket for Eastern Province in the Sixties and Seventies, captaining the team in the latter years. He also played for Border.
David Emslie, chief executive of Eastern Province Cricket, said although Wilmot was several years older than him, he knew Wilmot well as they had grown up in the same village of Salem near Grahamstown.
”I’ve known him all my life,” he said. ”He was a hugely respected cricketer and a larger-than-life character.”
Emslie said Wilmot who farmed for a living was divorced and had two children.
Govender said no foul play was suspected and an inquest would be conducted. — Sapa