Shock death of rugby star
News Archive > Sport > Shock death of rugby star
TRIBUTES have poured in for St Austell rugby club’s long serving stalwart Anthony Marshall, who died late on Saturday night after being involved in a collision with two cars.
Anthony, or ‘Ginge’ as he was more commonly known, was just 35 and suffered fatal injuries following an accident involving a silver Vauxhall Corsa and a green Mazda 323, when he was believed to be jogging on the A390 Union Hill in Truro near Woodstock corner.
Marshall leaves behind his partner Hannah Thomas, who was expecting a second child in the new year, and his three-year-old daughter Esme.
Hannah said: “Ginge was a popular, well-known and loved family man. He was a devoted Dad to Esme and will be hugely missed by everyone who knew him."
Anthony was also a partner in the St Austell scaffolding firm M and M and his devastated close friend and business partner Nick McCoan said: “I can't express how much he was liked and how much he meant to everyone at St Austell Rugby Club.
“He was a perfect man, he was honest, industrious, genuine.
"He was more than just my business partner, he was my best mate.
“He also could be a gritty, determined man, and that's what made him what he was.
“He will be so sorely missed, he was so loyal to the club that he had played for since he was 14.
“The support and across the board love felt for him has been totally overwhelming and my phone hasn't stopped ringing since we first heard the tragic news.
“I asked the boys if they wanted to work today (M&M Scaffolding) and they decided to because that's what 'Ginge' would have wanted.
“One phoned me back today though on a church job and just broke down in tears, he simply couldn't do it.
“Everyone loved Ginge and I feel absolutely gutted and my thoughts are with his family."
McCoan’s thoughts were echoed by St Austell head coach Richard Lamb and he added: “He was a man of tremendous enthusiasm, integrity and passion. His leadership qualities were second to none.
"He was inspirational to the younger players at St Austell Rugby Club, he gave 100% in every game and in every training session.
“He was a man of high personal quality who oozed enthusiasm in everything he did. This is a devastating shock to everybody at St Austell and he will be sadly missed, and our thoughts go out to his family.”
The club’s secretary Graham Walker, who referred to Marshall as one of the club’s most respected players, confirmed that there will be a minute’s silence before the club’s home game against Wellington on Saturday and also confirmed that his number 12 shirt will not be worn during the game, as a mark of respect.
A police spokesman has appealed for any witnesses to the incident to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 08452 777444, quoting log reference number 1127 of 281109.
