Further tributes paid to talented Shropshire sportsman killed in Australia crash
Further tributes have been paid to a former Shropshire footballer and talented sportsman killed in a crash in Australia on Saturday.
On Sunday tributes were paid to the former Market Drayton Town footballer, and since then it has emerged that his long-term partner, Alice Robinson has also died.
It has been reported in Australia that her body was found in the Mount Hawthorn area on Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Mr Francis had died.
The couple moved to Western Australia around a year ago.
As well as becoming a well-known footballer with Drayton, Mr Francis was also known for his talent in rugby and cricket.
On Sunday evening, Bridgnorth Rugby Club, where Mr Francis is from, posted on Facebook: "We at Bridgnorth Rugby Club, like so many other Rugby, Football, Cricket, Boxing clubs that Jason 'Franna' Francis was a part of, are totally devastated by his tragic passing.
"Anyone that ever played with him, will know what a fantastic sportsman and team mate he was, but it wasn’t just his sporting prowess. It’s was everything about him, his smile and his huge thirst for life."
Another former club, Newport Salop, described the 29-year-old as one of the most genuine and down to earth gentleman.
Mr Francis had also been playing for Cottesloe Rugby Union Club in Australia, and club president Sam Diamond posted on Facebook, describing the couple as 'beautiful souls'.
He added: "Jase and Alice had only been at the club for a short time but had already ingrained themselves into the third grade and fourth grade families.
“They could both be found at the multitude of off season barbecues where Jase would always do his best impression of a competitive eater whilst Alice filled our hearts with her infectious laugh.
“These are two beautiful souls that we have lost far too early, and were loved like family. CRUFC extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Francis and Robinson families back in the UK.
"I hope that all club members and anyone else who knew Jase and Alice find a sympathetic shoulder to lean on in these sad times.”
The club has launched a crowdfunding appeal to help the families of the couple bring their bodies back to the UK.
Meanwhile, crash officers in the area are still appealing for witnesses who may have seen the VW Jetta or Mr Francis on Saturday evening.
