Sheffield Steelers have announced the tragic death of forward Alex Graham, aged just 20.
Graham had spent his entire professional career to date in his native Steel City, playing for the Steelers in the Elite League and Sheffield Steeldogs in the National League.
The youngster had played 81 times for the Steelers having made his debut for the club in 2019 and was a highly-rated player tipped for big things in the sport.
He had also appeared for Great Britain at both Under-18 and U20 level.
The Steelers revealed the news on their club website and on social media on Monday afternoon. They called for his family to be given privacy in order to process the "tragic situation". Graham's cause of death is, as yet, unclear.
In a statement, the club said: "The Steelers are devastated to advise that Alex Graham sadly passed away this weekend.
"Everyone at the club is heartbroken by the news and wish to pass on our thoughts and condolences to Alex’s family, friends and teammates.
"It would be appreciated if Alex’s family could be provided time and space to take in the enormity of this tragic situation in the days ahead.
"Graham, 20, had only recently signed his first professional contract with the Steelers after making 81 appearances since his debut in 2019 and was regarded as an outstanding talent about to make his mark on the professional game.
"The club will be making no further comment at this time."
A Derbyshire police spokesperson told the Sheffield Star: "We were called by East Midlands Ambulance Service to a property in Dronfield, at around 2.50pm on Saturday, June 24. A man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene.
“There are thought to be no suspicious circumstances and a file is being prepared for the coroner."
