KUALA LUMPUR: PJ City defender P. Rajes died in an accident near Batu Caves here today. He was 37 years old.
Rajes was the vice-captain of the Super League side and a regular.
Coach P. Maniam described his demise as a great loss to the club.
"It is very sad to hear about his death so early in the morning. His youngest child is only eight months old," Maniam told Timesport today.
"I heard he died of head injuries following the accident.
"He was one of my trusted lieutenants at the club.
"We used to talk about strategies and team-building initiatives together with captain K. Gurusamy... a great leader.
"His body is at the Selayang Hospital and the funeral is expected tomorrow.
"He leaves behind a wife and three kids.
"The club will definitely do something to assist his family."
Rajes, who joined PJ City in 2018, also played for the now-defunct PKNS, Selangor and Kedah.
He was part of the PKNS team that were Premier League champions in 2011 and FA Cup runners-up in 2016.
Several teams, including the FAM of Malaysia (FAM) and Johor Darul Ta'zim, and players also expressed condolences to the family of Rajes.
"We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the late Rajes," said FAM in a statement.