Eddie Butler, the former Wales captain, British and Irish Lion player, and rugby broadcaster, died on Thursday. He was 65 years old. Read on to know how did Eddie Butler die, what happened to him, and what was the cause of his death.
Butler was on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to fundraise for charity at the time of his demise. He was a famed rugby player who made 16 appearances for Wales from 1980 to 1984. He was also an outspoken supporter of Welsh independence.
How did Eddie Butler die?
Butler, who was a renowned commentator, went with a group of fundraisers in Peru to raise money for the charity Prostate Cymru. However, Eddie Butler died in his sleep on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at the Ecoinka base camp in the Peruvian Andes.
Prostate Cymru announced the unfortunate news of Butler’s death via a statement posted on social media.
“The Prostate Cymru charity is devastated by the passing of its much loved ambassador Eddie Butler,” the statement read.
“Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. We will cherish the many memories we have of him.
“Over the last week, Ed once again showed his generosity and steadfast commitment to good causes by joining 25 Prostate Cymru fundraisers, including his daughter Nell, on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.
“In the early hours of Thursday 15 September, Ed passed away peacefully in his sleep at Ecoinka base camp in the Peruvian Andes.
“He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children who are very much in our thoughts.
“The charity will not be making any immediate further comment. We also ask that the family’s privacy is respected during this difficult time,” statement added.
Eddie Butler dead: What was the cause of his death?
The statement announcing Eddie Butler’s death didn’t reveal the exact cause of his demise. His family hasn’t made the information public either. Thus, it’s unknown what led to Eddit Butler’s sudden death while he was on a trail to Peru to raise funds for charity.
Netizens are speculating that Butler died of natural causes. The 65-year-old man didn’t have any prior illness as per the information available about him on the internet. We’ll update this section when more information is made public.
Eddie Butler was a Famed Rugby Player and Commentator
Edward Thomas Butler was born on May 8, 1957. He attended the Monmouth School and Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge where he studied French and Spanish. Butler played as number 9 for the Cambridge Blues from 1976 to 1978.
He went on to play 16 matches for the Welsh national team from 1980 to 1984. Butler captained the side in six of those games and was a part of the British and Irish Llions tour of New Zealand in 1983. He was also an outspoken support of Welsh independence.
Between 1982 and 1985, he also cpatianed Pontypool RFC and was chose for the Barbarians and the British Lions. Butler retired from international rugby in 1985. After that, he also had a short stint as a teacher and worked with a property development company.
He also worked as a journalist for the BBC on rugby and major sporting events before becoming a full-time sports commentator.
Tributes coming in for Eddie Butler
Ever since the news of Eddit Butler’s death emerged, tributes haven’t stopped for the former rugby player and veteran commentator.
“Eddie Butler was a true commentary great – the recognisable voice of the sport to millions & unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic. Captain of Wales and a superb player, he was also a true gentleman,” wrote Former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont in a tweet.
“Stunned at the news and passing of Eddie Butler,” tweeted former Wales flanker Sam Warburton.
“Utterly devastated to hear this news,” wrote BBC presenter Gabby Logan.
Fans also joined them to pay respect and remember Eddie Butler. Our heart goes out to his family. May God let the departed soul rest in peace.