- Latrell Mitchell paid tribute to his cousin
- The young man died in a car accident
- Mitchell returned to training on Monday
NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell has paid tribute to his teenage cousin following the youngster’s tragic death over the weekend.
Mitchell returned to training on Monday despite being offered time off to deal with the death of his 14-year-old first cousin following a car accident around Jubullum Mission in far northern Nova Scotia. South Wales, Saturday morning.
The full-back, who sources say was left heartbroken after the news, showed his courage to return for the first day of pre-season training with fellow stars Damien Cook and Cody Walker.
He then took to Instagram to share an image of his cousin with the caption: “I love you baby because” alongside a broken heart emoji.
It is understood the young parent was with four other boys in a vehicle before the driver lost control and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene, as was another 15-year-old boy.
Mitchell opted to attend training on Monday, with the Bunnies eager to get back on track after a disappointing 2023 campaign in which the club was accused of giving preferential treatment to the fullback and his teammates experienced.
Souths have signed Jack Wighton, a close friend of Mitchell, who will join his new club in training next week.
Just weeks before the tragic incident, Mitchell had traveled across New South Wales with some of the state’s most senior police officials to help launch a program to keep children off the streets.
Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood said officers who worked with Mitchell were saddened for him and his family after the tragedy.
“He has been a great supporter and advocate both with the youth command and with the NSW Police Indigenous platform,” Mr Wood told the Today’s telegraph.
“He traveled with us to launch Fight For Success programs in the northern and western regions of the state.
“Prior to this he had been heavily involved in the anti-violence programme, helping us with key messages regarding young people and expectations around their behavior and conduct.”
Earlier this month, charges against Mitchell and his friend Jack Wighton were dropped in the ACT Magistrates Court, a day after a senior police officer involved in their arrests admitted providing false testimony in court.
In body-worn camera footage submitted to the court, Mitchell can be heard screaming “My name is Latrell Mitchell” as he begged for help and cried in pain as police attempted to handcuff him. early hours of February 5 in Canberra.
He could be heard shouting “because I’m a blackfella?” and “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
CCTV footage shows Mitchell complying with police orders to get on his knees, before several officers pin him to the ground.
Mitchell was charged that evening with resisting territory authorities, fighting in a public place and affray.
Lawyers for both men will now consider whether to pursue further charges against ACT Police or the prosecutor.
More soon.
