Umar Mahmood from Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams show dies
Teenager From Freddie Flintoff's Show Passes Away
Image credit: Penwortham Priory Academy
Umar Mahmood was deeply enthusiastic about both geography and cricket, according to his previous school.
An 18-year-old who participated in the BBC TV show "Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams" has passed away after being involved in a car accident.
Umar Mahmood was behind the wheel of an Audi A3 Sport when he lost control and crashed into trees on Chain Caul Way in Preston around 10:55 PM BST on Tuesday. A 16-year-old passenger in the backseat also lost his life in the accident.
Mr. Mahmood was among a group of young cricketers from Lancashire highlighted in the BBC series.
His previous school, Penwortham Priory Academy, referred to him as "intelligent, dedicated to his studies, and cherished by others."
Umar Mahmood (on the left) was featured on the BBC One show hosted by Freddie Flintoff (on the right).
The tribute described Mr. Mahmood as a thoughtful young man who demonstrated both ambition and kindness in everything he did.
The academy expressed their deep sorrow upon hearing the news, stating that Mr. Mahmood's family would be in their thoughts and prayers today.
It noted that Mr. Mahmood, who graduated from the school two years back, "was deeply enthusiastic about geography in addition to his love for cricket."
In the documentary "Field of Dreams," former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff, originally from Preston, traveled to underserved areas of Lancashire. His goal was to discover 11 teenagers who hadn't previously thought about playing cricket so he could create a team.
In July 2022, Mr. Mahmood reflected on his participation in the show, expressing his passion for both watching and playing cricket. He mentioned that he was chosen to be part of Flintoff's team while he was involved with the BYDS Youth Club in Preston.
"They mentioned that they wanted to create a documentary on cricket and provide chances for individuals like me that I might not get otherwise," he stated in a release issued by his school at the time.
Mr. Mahmood mentioned that he and his fellow young cricketers received training from Flintoff, who was very approachable and friendly, as well as Kyle Hogg.
"They showed us various cricket skills, and it’s been a fantastic experience. I would consider myself somewhat of an all-rounder now," he mentioned, also noting that he had been interviewed multiple times for the program, and they even came to his home to talk to his family.
In 2022, Flintoff mentioned after the filming that cricket can be quite challenging, and that several of the guys had never even held a bat before.
I was also working with children who believed it was fancy and dull, so I needed to shift their perspective.
I became much more involved in the boys' lives than I expected, and in the end, I find that I care about them as individuals more than their skills in cricket.
In the program, Mr. Mahmood was shown bowling in the young team's opening game, where he managed to dismiss an opposing player.
"When I figured out that I had managed to get him out, I was absolutely thrilled," he shared.
"The vibe is great, especially seeing how everyone came together afterwards. We really have a strong opportunity to win now."
The BBC expressed their sorrow in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to learn about Umar's passing, and our hearts go out to his family and friends during this challenging time."
On Wednesday, Lancashire Police announced that the boy who was a passenger in the back seat of the car, identified by the same school as Adam Bodi, also lost his life in the accident.
The academy also honored Adam, noting that he was a well-liked young man with a great sense of humor.
The academy expressed its sincere sympathy to Adam's family and friends.
A 17-year-old boy is currently in stable condition at the hospital.
