British Cricketer Adrian St John Shot Dead in Trinidad Robbery

Adrian St John, who was part of the Chris Gayle Cricket Academy and had plans to play for the West Indies, was on holiday in the Caribbean when his car was targeted by two gunmen.

The 22-year-old, who is from Kennington in London, stopped the car he was driving to pick someone up at around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday in the town of San Juan.

Local police said gunmen ordered St John to drive off after robbing him but as he was doing so, one of them fired a shot from the roadside, hitting him in the head. It is believed the men stole mobile phones and cash, according to local media.

St John was taken to the nearby Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where he died shortly after arrival.

West Indies cricket star Chris Gayle said: "Such sad news to hear. My condolences to his family & friends. Adrian St John was the captain of the academy."

In London, Manny Cohen, chairman of the Alleyn cricket club, said: "We are all in deep shock, it is difficult to comprehend.

"He played 85 matches for us and he was still helping out with coaching for the children's sides in the summer. Mr St John started playing for the club when he was 15 and quickly got promoted to the senior teams when he was just 16.

"He was a very naturally gifted player. But he was also very generous to everyone he played with, helping them out," said Cohen. "He was very laid back and did not have a bad bone in his body. He was a sweet fellow, there was nothing to dislike about him."

St John grew up just minutes from the famous Oval cricket ground in south London and developed a passion for the sport as a young boy.

Adrian Atherton, a coach at the London Schools Cricket Association, who has known Mr St John since he was 10, said he was the "greatest boy" and that his coaches were hoping for "big things" for him.

St John's cousin, Leandra Alexander, said St John came to Trinidad and Tobago for carnival and enjoyed his visit so much he wanted to stay in the country.

She said: "Adrian was very cool and jolly. He was a darling. He was never rude, never disrespectful, he was just a cool and quiet child."

A 24-year-old suspect was held for the murder, Trinidad & Tobago Guardian Online reported.

A U.K. Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are in contact with authorities following the death of a British national in Trinidad and are ready to provide consular assistance."