TRIBUTES are pouring in for former West Indies batsman Runako Morton, who passed away on Sunday night.
Morton, a Nevisian who had been resident in Trinidad for the past few years, died in an accident after the vehicle he was travelling in crashed into a utility pole on the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Chase Village in central Trinidad.
He was 33.
Morton played in 15 Tests, 56 One-Day Internationals and seven Twenty20 Internationals for the West Indies between 2005 and 2010.
Here are some of the tributes:
Julian Hunte, WICB president: “Runako’s passing, still in the prime of life, leaves us all in shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all try to come to terms with his loss. He will be remembered as a fierce competitor on the field who gave no quarter whether he was playing for West Indies, Leeward Islands, Nevis or Trinidad and Tobago.”
Chris Gayle, former West Indies captain: “We lost a true warrior West Indies cricketer Runako Morton -May is soul rest in peace. Our memories together live on. My condolences to his family.”
Darren Sammy, West Indies captain: “A cricket warrior gone but not forgotten…played every game hard…Condolences to his family and friends…RIP Runako.”
Courtney Walsh, former West Indies captain: “Another sad day for West Indies cricket. Gone too soon Runako. You will be missed. RIP my friend. Condolences to his family.”
Kirk Edwards, Barbados captain West Indies batsman: “A true champion and brother has gone to a better place never knew I had so much tears in me.Thanks for showing me so much light ‘Nako’.”
Sulieman Benn, Barbados left-arm spinner: “My brother for ever, I thought I was real until I met you. Most God take care of you and your family. Hail Runako you the boss.”
Imran Khan, WICB corporate communications officer: “He was no showman, he was about business, getting the job done. He played hard not because the television cameras were on, he played hard because that is how Runako played. It was intensity or nothing.”
Pedro Collins, former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler: “Deeply shocked by the death of my buddy and west indies cricketer Runako Morton. RIP bro.”
Dwayne Bravo, West Indies all-rounder: “RIP Runako Morton. Shocked and saddened at the loss of my former WI teammate.”
Dinanath Ramnarine, WIPA president and chief executive officer: “The news has stunned all of us in the regional and international cricketing fraternity. We will all miss him greatly.”
Wavell Hinds, former West Indies player and WIPA vice-president: “Gone far too soon brother Runako. I will treasure the great memories for sure. RIP God knows best.”
Nikita Miller, Jamaica left-arm spinner: “RIP Runako Morton – toughest cricketer I have played with and against. It was a pleasure. My prayers go out to his family.”
Tino Best, Barbados and West Indies fast bowler: “RIP Runako Morton. We had some great battles over the past 11 years. May God bless and keep you big brother.”
Kevin Pietersen, England batsman: “My thoughts go out to Runako Morton’s family. Such sad news! What a lovely guy and fierce competitor! RIP bossman!
