Local man tried to save cricket star Andrew Symonds after car crash on remote road

A man has described how he tried to save cricketer Andrew Symonds after he crashed his four-wheel-drive in a remote part of North Queensland.

The 46-year-old rolled the vehicle on Hervey Range Road, about 50km from Townsville, about 11pm yesterday, police said.

Waylon Townson heard the crash and rushed to help.

READ MORE: Former Australian cricket star Andrew Symonds dies in car crash

At the time he didn't know the victim was the cricket star.

"He was stuck in there, so I tried to pull him out," he told 9News.

"(I) started doing CPR and checked his pulse but I didn't get much response."

Another local who lived nearby went to the scene this morning to leave a beer and some flowers for the great all-rounder.

Police said they didn't yet know what caused the crash.

Former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor said it was "another tragic day for cricket", following the recent deaths of Shane Warne and Rod Marsh.

Sydney Morning Herald chief cricket writer Malcolm Conn said Symonds, who was known as Roy, was the "most athletic cricketer he'd ever seen."

"An incredible athlete, an amazing fieldsman, brutal with the bat, good with the ball," he said.

READ MORE: Teammates tributes after Symonds crash

Adam Gilchrist led tributes from other players.

"This really hurts. Think of your most loyal, fun-loving friend, who would do anything for you, that's Roy," he tweeted,

The father-of-two joined the Australian test side in 2004.

Outside of cricket he loved fishing with his mates and young son, Billy.

His wife Laura said: "We are still in shock."