‘We need to talk’: Andrew Symonds’ last text message revealed

Andrew Symonds’ final text message before his fatal car accident has been revealed, proving his trademark sense of humour never faded.

Andrew Symonds’ final text message before his fatal car accident has been revealed, proving the Australian cricketer’s trademark sense of humour never faded.

The 46-year-old was involved in a car accident outside Townsville on Saturday evening. He was the only person travelling in the car and his two dogs survived.

In a statement, Queensland Police said the single-car crash occurred at Hervey Range, as Symonds’ vehicle left the road and rolled. Paramedics tried to save him but were unable to.

He is survived by wife Laura and young children Chloe and Billy.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Fox Sports Executive Director Steve Crawley revealed Symonds had pinged him a couple of hours before the tragic accident.

Symonds, who was off contract with Fox Cricket after four years commentating with the network, had sent Crawley a screenshot of a news story about NFL star Tom Brady’s staggering AU$540 million broadcasting deal with Fox Sports in the United States.

“Crawls, we need to talk. Roy,” Symonds texted alongside the screenshot.

Crawley responded with a laughing emoji.

“I’d like to remember him as a nice guy, because that’s what he was,” Crawley told The Daily Telegraph.

“He was a great Australian character, sort of like an outback hero like the Crocodile Hunter, but real.”

In a statement from Fox Sports, Crawley added: “Andrew Symonds was one of a kind.

“We awake to this shocking news and our deepest sympathies are with his wife Laura, two children and all of his work mates and dear friends throughout Fox Sports and the Cricket fraternity.”

Andrew Symonds of Australia. Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images

Andrew Symonds attends the state memorial service for former Australian teammate Shane Warne. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Symonds was a devastating batter who could bowl either medium pace or off-spin, depending on the situation of the game.

He was a key member of Australia’s ODI teams that won World Cups in 2003 and 2007, playing 198 times in the 50-over format, scoring 5088 runs and taking 133 wickets.

Former teammates, colleagues and fans were in shock, taking to social media to pay their respects for the talented all-rounder.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk shared her “deep condolences” with the star’s family, remembering him as “an outstanding player – dynamic, entertaining and skilful – who made an unforgettable contribution to Queensland and Australian cricket”.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted: “Just awful to hear the news of the passing of Andrew Symonds. Roy was an incredible talent and a great character of Australian sport. Loved by his teammates and fans alike, he will be sorely missed by many. My condolences to his family, friends and the cricket community.”

Symonds’ passing comes after the shock deaths of fellow Aussie cricket greats Shane Warne and Rod Marsh earlier this year.

Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy. 💔😞

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) May 15, 2022

If Roy shook your hand you had his word, that’s the sort of bloke he was and that's why I always wanted him on my team. An extraordinary player and even better human being. Can’t believe he’s gone. Thoughts are with his family at this time. pic.twitter.com/7r7FiK1CzK

— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) May 15, 2022