Umar Mahmood, Freddie Flintoff’s 'Field of Dreams' teenage star, dies in car crash

Umar Mahmood, a teenager who appeared in the BBC One show Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams, has died in a car crash at the age of 18.

Mahmood’s school, Penwortham Priory Academy, confirmed that he died in the accident near Preston, Lancashire, after an Audi A3 Sport left the road and smashed into trees on Tuesday 10 September.

Another pupil at Mahmood’s school also died. Adam Bodi was 16.

A 17-year-old boy was also seriously injured and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

The school said in a statement: “We are again saddened as a school to hear the news that Umar Mahmood, who was in the same accident as Adam, and who left Priory two years ago, has also passed away on Thursday, 12 September.”

Mahmood is remembered by the school as a “bright, studious and well-loved member of our school community” with a passion for geography and cricket.

“It was a privilege for us here at Priory to know Umar,” the school said. “He was a young man who was always considerate to those around him and who showed ambition and kindness in all that he did.”

Earlier this week, Penwortham Priory Academy had paid tribute to Bodi, saying he was a popular boy with a wonderful sense of humour. Posting on its Facebook account, the school said it was “extremely upset” to hear the news that he had died.

Field of Dreams sees former international cricketer Flintoff return to his hometown of Preston with the aim of creating a new team with a group of teens.

In episode two of Field of Dreams series one, released in 2022, a 15-year-old Mahmood is shown bowling during a game of cricket. When the batsman hits the ball short, Mahmood runs his opponent out.

Afterwards, giving an interview to the camera, he says: “When I realised that I had got him out, I was over the moon really. The atmosphere was very good, now we’ve got a good chance of winning.”

His teammates are shown putting their arms around him and congratulating him.

In another episode, Flintoff can be seen giving Mahmood advice on his hit while the teenager listens intently and nods.

Flintoff recently returned for a new series Field of Dreamson Tour, after experiencing his own near-fatal car crash while filming BBC show Top Gear, which left him with severe injuries. He said he continues to suffer from nightmares and flashbacks after the incident.

The Preston Muslim Burial Society has announced that Mahmood and Bodi will be laid to rest at Preston cemetery today (13 September) at 3pm. A spokesperson for the society said: “Attendees are highly encouraged to walk or carshare to the cemetery and follow the instructions provided by the volunteers. May Allah bless family with sabr jameel during this difficult time.”

The Independent