English cricketer Matt Hobden's family release statement following his sad passing
Hobden died celebrating New Year
Cricketer Matt Hobden had been celebrating new year with friends in Scotland when he died, his family have said.
The body of the 22-year-old Sussex fast bowler was discovered by police at a property in Forres, near Inverness, on Saturday.
Officers are continuing to investigate the death but said there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.
It was reported in the UK press that Hobden had plunged to his death off the roof of an exclusive Scottish estate. Reports suggested Hobden and other guests had gone onto the roof to stargaze last Sunday evening where the cricketer later fell asleep.
It is thought he may have been disorientated when he woke and tragically fell to his death.
Hobden was seen as a promising cricketer and was one of six fast bowlers chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme this winter.
The group were due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the one-day international series against South Africa.
In a statement released through Police Scotland, his family said: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Matthew who had been celebrating the new year with friends in the Forres area.
"We now ask that we are left alone to deal with the tragic circumstances that have unfolded and are allowed to grieve in private at this difficult time."
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A number of senior players and coaches paid tribute to Hobden when his death was announced at the weekend.
Sussex coach Mark Davis gave his players the week off to come to terms with the death.
"I've given the boys a week away to make sure they can gather their thoughts and be around their loved ones, process what's happened and reflect a little bit as well," he told the Guardian.
"We all met on Sunday morning, after we got the awful news, just to get everyone together.
"Everyone will grieve in different ways but it was good to support each other. We need to stay strong to get through this tough time."