- Terrible accident ended the life of a 33-year-old man over the weekend
- The rugby community supports the player’s devastated family
A 33-year-old father of three died surrounded by his loved ones just hours after suffering a serious brain injury in a blow to the head suffered during a rugby match in New Zealand.
Cory Heather was playing for Beachlands Maraetai Club in Auckland on Saturday when he was reportedly kneed in the head, leaving him unconscious.
A rescue helicopter was called to the scene at Te Puru Park on the city’s eastern outskirts and he was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.
Heather’s mother Donna, her partner Rachel Hurcombe and their three young children were watching the game.
Cory Heather (pictured with partner Rachel Hurcombe) died on Sunday after a horror accident during a rugby match in Auckland.
The 33-year-old had three children with his partner, all of them aged five or younger.
Heather has been remembered as a “much-loved” teammate and member of her rugby club, as well as a “hands-on” father.
His family agreed to take him off life support on Sunday.
TO A fundraising page was created to help the family. and had raised more than $36,000 at the time of this writing.
“Surrounded by his family and friends, Cory sadly passed away Sunday morning,” a message on the page read.
‘A much loved companion to Rachel, hands-on father to her three sons Stevie (5), Benji (4) and Louie (1), and a dear friend to many.
‘A bright spark who led an exceptional life and who will be greatly missed.
‘We will love you forever, fly high Cory.’
His mother, his partner and his children were watching the game when the tragedy unfolded.
Heather was playing for the Beachlands Maraetai club (pictured) when a knee to the head reportedly knocked him unconscious.
The match Heather was playing in had weight restrictions and no players over 180 pounds were allowed to compete.
“Cory was a much-loved member of the senior under 85kg team, the club and the wider community,” Beachlands president James Gemmell said in a statement.
‘The club is heartbroken by the passing of Cory. His family, friends and teammates all have our love and support.
“We understand that the accident will have been traumatic for many involved, including rivals, match officials and spectators.”
Outside of rugby, Heather was a builder and director of the Woodstar Construction business.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Mark Robinson shared the organisation’s “deepest condolences” with Heather’s family after hearing the shocking news.
“Please know that all of New Zealand rugby is with you,” Robinson said in a statement.
