Tributes paid to Durham rugby players
26-year-old Tom Baty and 25-year-old Thomas Howard died in Sri Lanka where they were on a rugby tour
A second player from a British rugby club visiting Sri Lanka has died, two days after being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties, police said.
Tom Baty, 26, was pronounced dead on Tuesday, the police spokesman's office said.
He and teammate Thomas Howard, aged 25, suffered breathing difficulties on Sunday and Howard died shortly after being admitted to hospital.
The club confirmed the names of the Durham natives on Monday evening in a statement which said: "The Howard and Baty families have requested that their right to privacy is respected."
Durham City RFC president Richard Wilkinson said:
"On behalf of all members and friends of the DCRFC family we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families of Thomas Howard.''
Mr Wilkinson also extended his best wishes to Mr Baty and those in Sri Lanka supporting him.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,'' he said.
"Both players and Clems Pirates hold a special place in our rugby family, and our continued support is unconditional.''
Mr Wilkinson added:
"We will also continue to support the Clems Sri Lankan tour party by being in regular contact with senior club officials out in Sri Lanka.''
The club president also thanked people for the many message of sympathy and support that have been received from members, friends and the wider rugby family.
Durham County Councillor David Boyes said Durham City RFC was a very well organised, well equipped organisation and oversaw a number of teams.
He said the club had organised numerous tours abroad in the past and had never had any problems before.
"I really feel for the families, being that far away and knowing that a family member has died must be terrible,'' he said.
Durham County Councillor Richard Ormerod said it was very sad news for all those involved.
"My thoughts are with the families and friends and team-mates,'' the councillor said.
He added that Clems Pirates was well known in the community.
They do a lot of good work raising money for charity and introducing people to rugby, he said.
England rugby player Tamara Taylor was among those offering their sympathies on social media.
She tweeted: "Unbelievably tragic news. Sending love to all at Clems Pirates and @DurhamCityRFC #RugbyFamily.''
Neil Foster, chief executive of Tynedale RFC wrote: "Tragic news. My thoughts are with both families, all @DurhamCityRFC & the #Clemsmen stuck out in Colombo.''
Aaron Tillyer wrote: "Such sad news from my old rugby club @DurhamCityRFC.
"Thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. RIP."
The 22-strong party from Durham City club visited Sri Lanka last Thursday and played a friendly against a local club two days later.
The following morning two players fell ill and were taken to hospital, police said.
Howard's post-mortem examination on Tuesday did not show any injury or illness to have caused his death.
The judicial medial officer gave an open verdict and sent body samples for further analysis, police said.
The British embassy said in a short statement it was assisting the players' families and was in touch with local medical services.