LONDON, Aug 25: Queens Park Rangers striker Ray Jones died in a car crash early on Saturday, three days before his 19th birthday, the second division club said.

The England youth team international was one of three people killed in a collision between a bus and a Volkswagen Golf in east London, police said.

“We are all shocked and saddened by the news,” QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini said in a statement on the club’s website.

“It is a huge loss for this football club.

“Ray had the world of football at his feet and he will be sorely missed by everyone connected to Queens Park Rangers.

“Our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends and we will be doing everything we can to help them through this terrible time.”

Saturday’s match between QPR and Burnley at Turf Moor was postponed.

The Metropolitan Police said Jones and another teenager were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash in East Ham. A third teenager died later in hospital.

Two others in the VW Golf were taken to hospital. One is in a serious condition and the other was described as “walking wounded”.

Jones joined QPR when he was 15 and made his first team debut against Watford in April 2006, scoring six goals in his first season as a professional. He was called up to the England under-19 squad last season.—Reuters