Tributes to Ben Woods who died on holiday in Cyprus

Ben Woods, from Lowton, is believed to have drowned after an accident on a family holiday in Cyprus on Tuesday, July 5.

The former Lowton High student was found unconscious in his hotel swimming pool in Paphos.

Guests and lifeguards are said to have desperately attempted to revive him, but he died shortly after being rushed to intensive care at Paphos General Hospital.

READ > Heartbreak as Leigh East rugby player dies on holiday in Cyprus

Since the devastating news, tributes have poured in across social media for the popular rugby league player.

Ben is described as a very popular and much-loved young man (Image: Ben Woods)

Tributes for Ben:

Ben's brother Josh Woods, who plays for Newcastle Thunder in the Championship, tweeted: "The best person ever, my brother my best friend, and my hero.

"I love you so much and just want this to be a nightmare fly high up there Ben - RIP."

Adam Whiteside tweeted: "Terribly sad news. Ben was a lovely lad and I can’t remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face.

"Had the opportunity to play alongside him at Leigh East on a few occasions, and shared more than a few drinks around Leigh. Thoughts are with his loved ones."

Shaun Myers wrote: "Devastating news. Had the pleasure of knowing Ben as a young lad at family parties. Always been a cheeky chap and grew into a lovely young man."

Many of Ben's friends have shared tributes of him on social media

Cameron Coluton wrote: "[I] really am lost for words, what a cruel world we live in. RIP to one of the most down to Earth, caring and realist lads you’ll ever meet. Ben Woods, you'll be well and truly missed by us all.

"You never disappointed to put a smile on all the lad's faces, no matter what mood we was in, fly high up there mate."

Stuart Puglsey shared: "Every now and then someone comes into your life and makes a difference, makes you sit up and take note, makes you smile, makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you proud.

"I could go on and on and on but this young man got to me, tough as they come, never complained, did everything I asked of him and more, a privilege and honour to coach. 

"But more than a rugby player, [he was] an absolute credit to his family, an infectious smile, a crazy sense of humour and just an all-round loveable kid who enjoyed life in the company of his family and friends."

A half-back at Leigh East, Ben was only 21 years old

Dad of one of Ben's friends, Jamie Prescott shared: "[The] last two days have been the hardest of days. Kieron has lost his best friend of 15 years. Ben was a support for Kieron when he went into the RAF and helped him through his initial training when times were hard.

"Ben was the first out of the changing room to sit with me and Alan after a rugby match to have a Guinness and black and a good natter.

"The best lad and friend that you could ask for for your son, watching each other’s back and having a good laugh along the way and Ben reigning Kieron in at times."

Mickey Rouge wrote: "Absolutely heartbreaking, never had a smile off his face did Ben. So so sad, and prayers are with his family."

Lynda Nicola Ramsdale shared: "Ben Woods, you will be a massive hole in everyone’s hearts. Coming out of lockdown you spent so much time here with all the lads. Always in the centre of making everyone smile, laugh, dance & have a great time.

"Sending all our love & thoughts to the Woods family & Eastleigh lads [and] the massive circle of friends you had."

Leigh East announced the news of Ben's passing on Wednesday, July 6

Jake Oliver Mcdermott shared: "Rest in peace Ben Woods, [an] absolute legend.

"Always made time for anyone and made them giggle! Will miss our catch's up weekly and all your song requests Very sadly missed. Gutted.

Andy Lloyd wrote: "Absolutely devastated to hear about young Ben Woods honestly one of the nicest lads you could ever wish to meet."

A statement from Leigh East stated: "Ben had played at Leigh East from a very young age and had progressed through the age groups to become a valuable member of our club.

"Ben was always there with a cheeky smile and will be sorely missed."

A post from Leigh Rugby League Town Team read: "Ben was a lovely young man who touched the lives of some of our members, particularly Phil Johnson, who employed him as an Apprentice."

A statement from Wellness Strength Training said: "Ben was in [our] youth programme from a young age until 2017/18 when he finished High School.

"He was a pleasure to coach and went on to be a great young man continuing to play rugby league for Leigh East at open age level."

Ben with a friend

Many more people shared their condolences to Ben's family, including a host of rugby league clubs from across the North West.

A spokesperson from the Foreign Office said: "We are providing consular support to the family of a British national who has died in Cyprus and are in contact with the local authorities”. 

Hundreds of people have shared tributes and condolences for Ben and his family