Totnes rugby player dies after collapsing during match

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TOTNES Rugby Club members have been stunned by the death of a player who was taken ill during a match on Saturday, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

Mark Levy was playing for Totnes Quins in a 2nd XV Merit Table game at South Molton when he collapsed on the pitch.

Mr Levy, who is believed to be in his late 40s, was treated on the pitch by first responders from either side before an ambulance crew arrived and took over.

Although the Devon Air Ambulance was diverted to the ground, it was agreed it was best to take Mr Levy to hospital in Barnstaple by road as he could be treated on the way.

Sadly it proved impossible to revive Mr Levy, who was pronounced dead at the North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple.

No cause of death will be confirmed until a post-mortem has been carried out, however it is suspected that Mr Levy suffered a heart attack.

Mr Levy, who was married to Karen, had two daughters. He worked as a patrolman for the AA.

Totnes official Alan Tait, who knew Mr Levy well, said members had been left devastated by the death of a popular clubman.

“Mark had got up from a ruck and was going to join the next scrum when he just collapsed on the pitch,” said Mr Tait.

“What caused Mark to collapse we just don’t know, although we have been told it was probably a heart attack.

“Two weeks ago when Mark played against Honiton he scored a hat-trick of tries, which will be a happy memory for all of us who knew him.

“I first knew him about five or six years ago when he moved into the town and started to play rugby for our veterans’ side.

“Mark was a big Wasps fan and always insisted on playing in a pair of their socks, which I was always threatening to cut off him.

“He was a quiet bloke, not a big drinker or socialiser after games, who was very popular around the club.

“At this sad and difficult time, our thoughts are with his wife and two daughters.”

Article source: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/rugby-player-in-deportation-battle-is-freed-from-detention.22461234

Totnes rugby player dies after collapsing during match