A FORMER Darwen cricket professional has been killed in a car crash.

Johan Johnson had to return to South Africa part way through last season after he suffered a back injury.

The promising youngster played for the Orange Free State and was the most costly player in the Darwen club's history.

Darwen chairman, Peter Lamster said: "We were very sorry when he had to go home injured. He was a very good player and a nice lad.

"It is a tragedy that he has been killed. He really had a promising future."

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