Matthew Hobden: Sussex cricketer ‘may have fallen to his death from roof’ of Scottish country house

Bowler was celebrating New Year with his friends in Scotland

Matthew Hobden was found dead in Scotland

Matthew Hobden may have plunged to his death after falling asleep on the roof of a country house in Scotland, it has been reported.

The Sussex fast bowler, 22, was found dead by police at Dalvey House in the town of Forres, near Inverness, on 2 January. Police Scotland has launched an investigation into his death, which is not thought to be suspicious.

Hobden’s family said he was celebrating New Year with his friends at the property.

The Mirror reports that one line of inquiry includes whether he may have fallen asleep on the roof and become disorientated after waking up, causing him to fall.

Hobden and guests had apparently sat on the roof during the previous evening to look at the stars, according to the paper.

Hobden enjoyed a successful sporting career and had been tipped to play for England. Sussex County Cricket Club described him as an “exciting young cricketer with a big future ahead of him in the game” in a tribute after his passing.

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.”

Police Scotland declined to comment on the report. A spokesman told The Mirror: “The death continues to be treated as unexplained and inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

“But there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances. As is standard, a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.”