The cricket world had just recovered from Ireland's win when news filtered through that the former Kent and England test batsman, who was 58, was found unconscious in his room at the Pegasus Hotel in Sabina Park. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but he did not recover.
Woolmer was diabetic but Pakistan's media manager, Pervez Mir, said it was too early to say what had caused his death. A team spokesman said: "We saw him last night but, having not seen him early today, two of our officers went to his room and with the help of hotel staff entered. He was found unconscious there. It is too early to say whether he has suffered a heart attack. We are awaiting medical reports."
Woolmer, who had also coached South Africa and Warwickshire, was contracted to Pakistan until the end of the World Cup. They were knocked out of the competition after the surprise defeat by Ireland.
"I would like to sleep on my future as a coach," Woolmer said after the match. "It's what I do best, what I try to do best. Therefore I'm not going to throw away coaching just like that. However, internationally I will give it some thought. Travelling and being involved non-stop in hotels and so on takes its toll."
The country's president Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have praised his contribution for Pakistan.
"President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have expressed heartfelt condolences over the tragic death of Pakistan cricket team coach Bob Woolmer," read a statement.
"In their separate messages, they said that Bob Woolmer had promoted the cause and game of cricket in Pakistan with dedication and single mindedness.
"In their messages to his family they said Bob Woolmer's services to the game would be long remembered by cricket fans."
Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar did not make the squad for the World Cup because of injury.
He added: "It is a huge tragedy. We are not ready to believe this has happened.
"I am completely shattered, and what is going to happen I don't know.
"He was a very dear man, he was a great leader and it's an unbelievable tragedy."
To round off a depressing weekend for Pakistan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, 37, announced he was retiring from one-day internationals and standing down as Test captain. He intends to continue as a Test player.

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