Rugby fan dies at Millennium Stadium during Swalec Cup finals day

A Pontypridd RFC rugby supporter and steward died as he watched the SWALEC Cup final on Sunday at the Millennium Stadium.

Terry Walters, who is believed to be in his early 60s and from Cymmer in Porth, had a heart attack during the game between his team Pontypridd RFC and Cross Keys.

Paramedics tried to revive Mr Walters but were unsuccessful.

A statement from Pontypridd RFC said: “Pontypridd’s celebrations in winning the SWALEC Cup on Sunday May 4 were tinged by deep sadness following the tragic death of supporter Terry Walters during the match.

Terry Walters at the Pwllgwaun end of Pontypridd RFC

 

“Terry was a well known and respected figure around Sardis Road, a match steward and volunteer who contributed much to the club that he supported with a passion.

“It was poignant that on a day when the Pontypridd squad dedicated their cup win to former prop Stuart Williams who passed away last October, the club lost another stalwart in such tragic circumstances.

“The thoughts of everyone involved with Pontypridd RFC are now with the family of Terry Walters in their time of grief.”

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 6.29pm yesterday, Sunday April 4, to a medical emergency inside the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Crew in an emergency ambulance attended, and a man in his 60s was taken to the University Hospital of Wales.”

Phil Lycett, chairman of Pontypridd Supporters Club, said: “This is devastating news to hear about the death of Terry and so soon after the death of Stuart. Being part of Pontypridd RFC is like having an extended family. It’s been a very strange season and I just can’t believe it. This has just knocked the club sideways.”

Mark Davies, the bar manager at the club worked with Terry at RHondda Cynon Taf council where Terry was a highways drainage engineer.

Mark said: “He was a good friend and colleague and we had many a laugh over the years. He only lost his wife a few years ago, so these are very sad circumstances. He was a long term supporter and a safety steward. We also organised a few Christmas parties together. He was well liked and well known.”

He was a member of the Cymmer club.

Article source: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/23/usa-rugby-coach-las-vegas-olympics-sevens

Rugby fan dies at Millennium Stadium during Swalec Cup finals day