Kato Ottio dead: Former Canberra Raiders rugby league player passes away aged 23
League
Former Canberra Raiders player Kato Ottio has died.Source: News Corp Australia
THE rugby league world is in mourning today following the shock death of former Canberra Raider Kato Ottio aged just 23.
Ottio passed away after a “sudden health issue” while training on Monday, ahead of his move to the English Super League.
The Papua New Guinea international spent the past two years on Canberra’s books, without cracking the top grade.
After last year’s World Cup he signed to play with English Super League side Widnes, where the powerful outside back had hoped to make his first grade debut.
The PNG Rugby Football League released a statement on Tuesday morning, with the governing body’s chairman Sandis Tsaka advising that Ottio had passed away at the Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby at 2am.
Tsaka said Ottio’s body was taken to his home in Tatana before being moved to a funeral home.
The details of his death will be released later.
Kato Ottio in his PNG jersey ahead of the World Cup. Picture: David Buller/NRL ImagerySource: Supplied
Former Raiders teammate Elliott Whitehead was among the first to pay tribute to the rising star, saying on Instagram that Ottio was “one guy who has always had a smile on his face. Loved my time with him at Raiders”.
Former Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast winger David Mead - who played alongside Ottio for Papua New Guinea at last year’s World Cup and has since joined Super League club Catalans Dragons - posted a touching tribute to Instagram to his “Kumul brother”.
“Absolutely devastated to hear the passing of my Kumul brother Kato Ottio. He was one of most humble and kind hearted people I have ever known,” Mead wrote.
“Forever in my heart. Love you brother Rest In Peace. I will miss you Katzy Mero.”
The Raiders issued a statement saying the club was “deeply saddened and shocked” by Ottio’s passing.
“Receiving the devastating news this morning knocked me for six. It was hard to believe given the age of Kato and how I remembered him here, I am really lost for words,” coach Ricky Stuart said.
“Kato was an important part of our club and very close mate to all our boys and staff.
“He was a very respectful young man who appreciated everything we were doing for him here in adjusting to life in Canberra and learning his trade in becoming a professional football player.
“He was very close to his family and my heart and prayers go out to them. I just could not imagine what they are going through at this moment.”
Kato Ottio is tackled in a PNG vs USA World Cup match.Source: AAP
The Widnes Vikings also confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday.
“We are devastated to learn that Kato Ottio has passed away this afternoon. Kato was an incredibly talented player, with a bright future ahead of him in rugby league,” Widnes Vikings CEO James Rule.
“This news is all the more tragic, because Kato was due to travel to the UK this week to fulfil his dream of playing first-grade rugby league.
“We had been in regular contact with Kato and were excited to welcome a bright, excited and passionate young man, who had genuine potential for the future.”
On days like this, you see the incredible community in our great sport. Thank you to everyone who has shared their respect for Kato. We will ensure that his family knows about the great kindness from supporters across the world. #RIPKato pic.twitter.com/GbJt41hFdc
— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) January 8, 2018
Canberra Raiders Kato Ottio during the 2017 Auckland Nines launch.Source: News Corp Australia
The tragic news came as an enormous shock to Ottio’s friends and family.
“Having only learned this morning that Kato had developed a sudden health issue whilst training yesterday, we are in absolute shock to now receive this tragic news,” Rule continued.
“We will be liaising closely with his loved ones to offer them our condolences and support at this difficult time.
“Widnes Vikings will of course be looking to celebrate Kato’s life and pay our sincere respects to someone who we believe would have become a hero at our club.”
Added Widnes coach Denis Betts: “To receive this tragic news is heartbreaking. All of us saw at the World Cup the incredible gifts that Kato had, and his potential to forge a great career in rugby league.
“Moreover, in all of our interactions with him, we found Kato to be a person of great character, who was excited to be following his dreams.
“On behalf of the coaching team, staff and players at Widnes Vikings, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Kato’s loved ones.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/ka...3/news-story/bd177aed0e2f92e1cdd6400a122b2590
League
- January 9, 2018 12:36pm
- by Staff writers
- Source: FOX SPORTS
Former Canberra Raiders player Kato Ottio has died.Source: News Corp Australia
THE rugby league world is in mourning today following the shock death of former Canberra Raider Kato Ottio aged just 23.
Ottio passed away after a “sudden health issue” while training on Monday, ahead of his move to the English Super League.
The Papua New Guinea international spent the past two years on Canberra’s books, without cracking the top grade.
After last year’s World Cup he signed to play with English Super League side Widnes, where the powerful outside back had hoped to make his first grade debut.
The PNG Rugby Football League released a statement on Tuesday morning, with the governing body’s chairman Sandis Tsaka advising that Ottio had passed away at the Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby at 2am.
Tsaka said Ottio’s body was taken to his home in Tatana before being moved to a funeral home.
The details of his death will be released later.
Kato Ottio in his PNG jersey ahead of the World Cup. Picture: David Buller/NRL ImagerySource: Supplied
Former Raiders teammate Elliott Whitehead was among the first to pay tribute to the rising star, saying on Instagram that Ottio was “one guy who has always had a smile on his face. Loved my time with him at Raiders”.
Former Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast winger David Mead - who played alongside Ottio for Papua New Guinea at last year’s World Cup and has since joined Super League club Catalans Dragons - posted a touching tribute to Instagram to his “Kumul brother”.
“Absolutely devastated to hear the passing of my Kumul brother Kato Ottio. He was one of most humble and kind hearted people I have ever known,” Mead wrote.
“Forever in my heart. Love you brother Rest In Peace. I will miss you Katzy Mero.”
The Raiders issued a statement saying the club was “deeply saddened and shocked” by Ottio’s passing.
“Receiving the devastating news this morning knocked me for six. It was hard to believe given the age of Kato and how I remembered him here, I am really lost for words,” coach Ricky Stuart said.
“Kato was an important part of our club and very close mate to all our boys and staff.
“He was a very respectful young man who appreciated everything we were doing for him here in adjusting to life in Canberra and learning his trade in becoming a professional football player.
“He was very close to his family and my heart and prayers go out to them. I just could not imagine what they are going through at this moment.”
Kato Ottio is tackled in a PNG vs USA World Cup match.Source: AAP
The Widnes Vikings also confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday.
“We are devastated to learn that Kato Ottio has passed away this afternoon. Kato was an incredibly talented player, with a bright future ahead of him in rugby league,” Widnes Vikings CEO James Rule.
“This news is all the more tragic, because Kato was due to travel to the UK this week to fulfil his dream of playing first-grade rugby league.
“We had been in regular contact with Kato and were excited to welcome a bright, excited and passionate young man, who had genuine potential for the future.”
On days like this, you see the incredible community in our great sport. Thank you to everyone who has shared their respect for Kato. We will ensure that his family knows about the great kindness from supporters across the world. #RIPKato pic.twitter.com/GbJt41hFdc
— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) January 8, 2018
Canberra Raiders Kato Ottio during the 2017 Auckland Nines launch.Source: News Corp Australia
The tragic news came as an enormous shock to Ottio’s friends and family.
“Having only learned this morning that Kato had developed a sudden health issue whilst training yesterday, we are in absolute shock to now receive this tragic news,” Rule continued.
“We will be liaising closely with his loved ones to offer them our condolences and support at this difficult time.
“Widnes Vikings will of course be looking to celebrate Kato’s life and pay our sincere respects to someone who we believe would have become a hero at our club.”
Added Widnes coach Denis Betts: “To receive this tragic news is heartbreaking. All of us saw at the World Cup the incredible gifts that Kato had, and his potential to forge a great career in rugby league.
“Moreover, in all of our interactions with him, we found Kato to be a person of great character, who was excited to be following his dreams.
“On behalf of the coaching team, staff and players at Widnes Vikings, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Kato’s loved ones.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/ka...3/news-story/bd177aed0e2f92e1cdd6400a122b2590