RL star killed and second player critical after crash

Gareth Swift, 19, was killed in the crash on Saturday night, at Normanton, near Wakefield, and Charlie Tosh was left with serious injuries.

Last night Tosh was in hospital and his condition was described as "critical but stable."

Featherstone Rovers' chief executive Andy Prout said yesterday: "We are devastated at this tragic news.

"Our thoughts are with Gareth and Charlie's families and everyone at Featherstone will do all they can to help them at this terrible time."

West Yorkshire Police said the accident, involving one car, happened at 10.50pm on Wakefield Road, Normanton.

A spokesman said yesterday the vehicle went out of control "following an overtaking manoeuvre at speed while entering a left-hand bend".

He said the car left the road and landed on its roof. "The front seat passenger, a 19-year-old local male, has died at the scene."

The spokesman added: "The driver was conveyed to hospital and currently remains in hospital and his condition is described as critical."

Police were alerted by a call from a member of the public.

Swift, a hooker and first team squad member, was out of the game for a long spell with a broken leg, but had been back in training and was on the verge of returning to the first team. Tosh should have been playing in a nines tournament in Cheltenham on Saturday but had not been able to get time off work.

A statement posted on the club's website yesterday said: "The club is devastated at the news that Gareth Swift has been killed in a tragic car accident which has also left Charlie Tosh seriously injured.

"We do not have any further information, but the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Featherstone Rovers are with the families and loved ones of both Gareth and Charlie at this very sad time."

It added that club chaplain Vic Johnson will be available at the club from this morning to speak to anyone who would like to share some quiet time and/or say prayers for both of the players.