Bolton: Tributes to cricket player who has died at the age of 40

Paul Rithalia from Lostock was known to many as Taz and for his talent as a sportsman playing on the second 11 team at Charnock St James Cricket Club.

The family say they have been left “heartbroken”, and that Paul will be “hugely missed in Bolton and beyond”.

They also thanked those involved in the search for Paul when he was reported missing on Sunday.

The family said: “We are heartbroken by the death of Paul, our caring, generous, thoughtful, and loyal son, brother and uncle.

From top left, clockwise: Mark Meadows, Paul Rithalia, Graham Brown, Ben Tyrer, Rashik Vekaria, Roman Bullock (Image: Roman Bullock - Charnock St James Cricket Club)

“We are grateful to all those who helped search for Paul when he was missing.

“We know he will be hugely missed by all those who knew him in Bolton and beyond.”

Best friend and team player Mark Meadows has known Paul since the age of 11 and says he was a “very naturally funny person without trying to be”.

Mark said: “He was a very happy go lucky type of person.

“He was a gentle giant and a lovely soul.

“He always helped people out and he was one of a kind.

“He got on with anybody and he always made an impression.”

Paul’s captain Stephen Ball says that he was a “really fun and caring guy to be around” who will missed on and off the pitch.

Speaking on behalf of the club Stephen said: “We played in the same team for the last nine years.

“He was just a really good guy who will be missed on and off the pitch by everyone.

“He was a fun, caring, and kind guy to be around.

“We are all devastated, and it will have a massive impact.

“As a club we want to pass on our condolences to the family, and our thoughts are with them.”

Paul was voted players’ player of the year last season by his teammates, so is the current trophy holder.

Mark added: “It demonstrates his value to the team and also how much he was liked by everyone.

“He's carried his great batting form to this season scoring nearly double the total seasons runs of the next second team batter.”

Paul was sadly ‘pronounced dead’ by police yesterday (Monday August 7) in Bolton town centre, after an extensive search.

Officers say that there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 1.40pm on Monday (7 August), officers responded to reports of concern for the welfare of a man in Churchgate, Bolton.

“Sadly, a man in his 40s was pronounced dead.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

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