Footballer killed in car crash

Updated 15.40 Sat Aug 25 2007

Keywords: car crash, QPR, Ray Jones

Queens Park Rangers footballer Ray Jones, has been killed in a car crash in east London.

The 18-year-old striker was travelling in a vehicle in East Ham when the collision happened shortly after midnight.

Police said the footballer - just three days short of his 19th birthday - and another teenager were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. A third teenager died later in hospital

Ray, just three days short of his 19th birthday, and another teenager were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. A third teenager died later in hospital.

Two others in the VW Golf were taken to hospital. One is in a serious condition and the other was described as "walking wounded".

QPR were scheduled to visit Burnley in the Championship but the game has been postponed.

Ray Jones joined QPR when he was 15 and made his first team debut against Watford in April 2006, scoring six goals in his first season as a professional. He was called up to the England Under-19 squad last season.

QPR chairman Gianni Paladini said: "We are all shocked and saddened by the news. It is a huge loss for this football club.

"Ray had the world of football at his feet and he will be sorely missed by everyone connected to Queens Park Rangers.

"Our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends and we will be doing everything we can to help them through this terrible time."