A former rugby league player has died after plunging from a hotel balcony in Ibiza and then struggling with police officers.
Luke Rhoden, 25, is understood to have been running around ‘like a madman’ before falling or jumping from the first floor room but survived.
It is believed Rhoden, who played as a prop forward for Wigan Warriors in the same junior team as Sam and Joel Tomkins before moving to Oldham Roughyeds, was then involved in a struggle with Spanish Civil Guard officers.
Officers had to restrain him as they put him into an ambulance at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio.
Paramedics spent 40 minutes trying to revive him but he died in the ambulance.
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Tributes have been paid to Luke from members of the rugby league world.
Wigan Warriors head coach Shaun Wane told the Manchester Evening News: “I was absolutely devastated and saddened when news reached me of Luke’s death.
“I almost crashed my car I was so shocked and taken aback because I knew him well and he was great lad. It’s a real tragedy.
“It is very hard coming to terms with what’s happened because I spent a lot of time working and coaching Luke when he was a young player coming through.
“They were good times and Luke was so keen.Â
“I coached him at Wigan when he was in the junior ranks at 16s, 17s and 18s level. He was a good lad who would look after himself.
“He was what I would term a rough diamond.
“He went into the semi professional ranks before ending up at Oldham.â€
“I really feel for his family at this very sad time.â€
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Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton said: “I am very saddened to learn of Luke’s death.
“He was one of those talented players who came from Wigan, trained and played hard and always gave 100 percent. He always showed total commitment.â€
It is understood Luke no longer played professional rugby league.
A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out to establish the cause of death.
It will also determine if Mr Rhoden had been drinking or taking drugs before the tragedy.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We can confirm the death of a British national in Ibiza on 3 September.
“We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”
* Were you at Ibiza Rocks when Luke died? Did you witness the incident? Did you take any pictures or video? Get in touch by calling 0800 282 591 or email mirrornews@mirror.co.uk
Article source: http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12504/9317398/jonny-wilkinson-to-retire-after-heineken-cup-final
Ex-rugby league star dies in Ibiza after plunging from hotel balcony and ...
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