Rugby Player Danny Jones Dies During London Match, Teammates React On Twitter

English rugby player Danny Jones of the Keighley Cougars died Sunday from a heart attack he suffered during a game against the London Skolars, several news outlets reported. The 29-year-old athlete collapsed on the sideline early in the match and was treated by medical personnel on the scene before being flown by air ambulance to the Royal Free Hospital in London. The game, held at the New River Stadium, was halted at halftime with Keighley leading 12 to 6, the Guardian reported.

Jones was pronounced dead at the hospital, which confirmed his death via a statement on its website. "It is always devastating when someone so young dies in these circumstances," Rugby Football League Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer said in a statement, according to the BBC. "Danny was a popular and talented player, having played at the highest level with Wales and over 12 seasons for Keighley Cougars and Halifax."

Some of Jones’ teammates and fellow rugby players took to Twitter Sunday to express their grief as well as their condolences for Jones’ family. Jones was the father of five-month-old twins.

Jones had played for the Keighley Cougars since 2010. In a statement, the Cougars asked that the privacy of the family, including Jones’ wife, be respected as they “deal with the passing of Danny in private at this difficult time.”