Australian rugby league player dies after tackle

[GongPanther]

A 28-year-old man has died in hospital after being tackled during an amateur rugby league game in rural Australia.

Officials attempted to resuscitate Grant Cook after he collapsed on the field on Sunday in Murwillumbah, in New South Wales.

The father-of-two was flown to Gold Coast University Hospital but died from his injuries overnight.

His wife, Colleen, said that Mr Cook's sudden death has "left a huge hole" in her heart.

"My beautiful husband Grant is now an angel watching over us" she wrote on Facebook.

"Life can be so cruel. He has left a huge hole in my heart and I know all family, especially his parents, are hurting trying to understand this tragedy."

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Mr Cook, from the Gold Coast, had been playing with the Murwillumbah Mustangs in a game against the Casino Cougars.

Northern Rivers Rugby League president Brian Rix told the Sydney Morning Herald that the incident had shocked the local rugby league community.

"It was just a normal game of rugby league that has turned into a tragic event," he said

"We are just a little bit taken aback this morning, trying to sort ourselves out."

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-37335540

 

[Chief_Chujo]

Tragedy. RIP

 

[Perth Red]

Very sad to hear. I am sure the game will rally around his family and take care of them.

 

[Danish]

RIP to the poor bloke. His wife's Facebook post was some tough reading.

Any details on how it happened? I'm hoping it wasn't from any sort of illegal tackle. Hasn't been mentioned anywhere that I can see

 

[Foreign Legion]

RIP

 

[POPEYE]

By far the worse thing that can happen to RL but nothing compared to what it does to his family. My sincerest condolences to them

 

[thorson1987]

RIP to the poor bloke. His wife's Facebook post was some tough reading.

Any details on how it happened? I'm hoping it wasn't from any sort of illegal tackle. Hasn't been mentioned anywhere that I can see

Heard on the radio yesterday morning that he had a heart attack.

 

[POPEYE]

On reflection I'd like to make a donation, can someone show me the way

 

[no name]

There is also details on the Murwillumbah Mustangs Facebook page.

Edit: The gofundme link doesn't seem to work. Check out the Facebook page if possible.

https://m.facebook.com/murwillumbahmustangs/

 

[POPEYE]

There is also details on the Murwillumbah Mustangs Facebook page.

Edit: The gofundme link doesn't seem to work. Check out the Facebook page if possible.

https://m.facebook.com/murwillumbahmustangs/

Done . . . thanks ol' mate

 

[ed-grimley]

By far the worse thing that can happen to RL but nothing compared to what it does to his family. My sincerest condolences to them

Well said.