Tributes to teenage Markyate squash player

TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented teenager from a village who died suddenly while playing squash at a local gym.

Harry Faulkner, aged 18, of Markyate, died while competing in a league match at the Nuffield Centre, Highfield Park Drive, St Albans, on February 7. He had apparently complained of feeling unwell prior to playing squash.

In a tribute posted on Luton and Dunstable Squash Club’s website, members said that it was with, “huge sadness that we have to announce the untimely and tragic death of Harry Faulkner at the tender age of 18.

“Harry died doing what he loved, playing squash in St Albans in the Herts league from what appears to be a massive cardiac arrest.”

The club said that Harry had represented it in the last two rounds of the national club championships and while not a regular at the club, “he is well known by many as a charming lad who played the game in the right spirit and appeared to be destined for great things as he embarked on his professional career.”

Marc Woolhead, Herts county captain, said: “As county captain over the last three years it has been a pleasure watching Harry develop into a fantastic young player with the world at his feet.

“But most of all Harry was a great young man that everyone within Hertfordshire squash was hugely proud of.

“Harry’s untimely passing has left a huge hole within Herts squash. Our thoughts are with the family.”