Steelwork contractor boss David Hodgkiss dies of coronavirus

Lancashire Cricket Club chairman David Hodgkiss, who was also the boss of William Hare steelwork contractor which has a site in Eastfield, has died after contracting coronavirus.

By Sue Wilkinson
Tuesday, 31st March 2020, 9:03 am
Updated Tuesday, 31st March 2020, 10:26 am
David Hodgkiss, Chairman of Lancashire CCC, presents James Anderson of England with a framed photo after the naming of the James Anderson End during Day One of the 4th Investec Test between England and South Africa at Old Trafford on August 4, 2017
David Hodgkiss, Chairman of Lancashire CCC, presents James Anderson of England with a framed photo after the naming of the James Anderson End during Day One of the 4th Investec Test between England and South Africa at Old Trafford on August 4, 2017

Mr Hodgkiss, 71, is thought to be the first individual directly involved in professional British sport to die having tested positive for Covid-19.

Hodgkiss served the Red Rose with distinction for more than two decades, as board member, treasurer and vice-chairman before he succeeded Michael Cairns in 2017. The county have not given a cause of death but a spokesman confirmed to the PA news agency that it was “coronavirus-related”.

“It is with great sadness that Lancashire Cricket announces the passing of its chairman David Hodgkiss OBE,” read a statement. “He was much loved by everyone at Lancashire Cricket Club and respected throughout the cricketing world. Our sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with his family.