The sudden and tragic death of a Welsh basketball star at a city centre hotel is not being treated as suspicious, Galway gardai have confirmed.
The body of 33-year-old Stuart Robbins was found in his room at the Menlo Park Hotel on Monday morning. It is believed that the Wales international centre court star had died suddenly in his sleep, however an exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
A spokesperson for Galway Garda station told the Advertiser that a post mortem examination has revealed “nothing suspicious”. Gardai are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death for the benefit of the coroner’s court but are not treating the death as suspicious.
Mr Robbins’ body was flown home to Neath in Wales yesterday. The 6ft 10in basketballer was a Superleague player and assistant coach with the UL Eagles side in Limerick which competed in the intervarsities competition in Galway last weekend.
Shocked and saddened Basketball Ireland said that the passing of Mr Robbins will be greatly felt by everyone who crossed his path and that their thoughts go out to all his family and friends in this very difficult time. The sporting organisation also acknowledged Mr Robbin’s great contribution to national camps last summer and described him as being an “inspirational character” for UL Eagles since he joined the club in the summer of 2009.
“This is a very difficult time for the basketball community in Ireland with the loss of such a talented young man," said Basketball Ireland president Timmy Murphy. “He has lit up the National League with his undoubted ability and as a person displayed a great manner with everyone he came into contact with. He will be sorely missed by everyone.”
UL Eagles chairman John King said: “Stuart was an amazing ambassador for the club both on and off the court. It has completely shocked everyone involved with UL. He made a huge impression in the city through his coaching with children and his loss will certainly leave a huge void with everyone he has encountered. It is very hard to come to terms with what has happened and all we can do now is to offer every possible support to his family and friends.”
