Former Sale Sharks rugby union player David Tait has died after falling from an apartment block.
The ex-player, 25, was found dead last Wednesday after the fall in Hong Kong, where he was working as a corporate finance manager for multinational KPMG. A short statement from his family said they were “devastated”.
Tait began his playing career with Sale in 2005 but left the club in 2010 after suffering persistent injuries, having made 40 appearances.
Damian Hopley, chief executive of the Rugby Players’ Association, said: “The rugby community will be shattered by the passing of such a gifted and popular young man who was respected by everyone he played alongside.
“He wasn’t simply a talented rugby player, he was also extremely bright and successful in his life outside of rugby.
State of Mind would like to offer their condolences to David’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
Tait is the second former Sale Sharks player to die in tragic circumstances this year.
In January, winger Selorm Kuadey died at the age of 24 after apparently taking his own life after being forced to retire through injury.