Shocked witnesses have described the death of New Zealand construction worker Cory Heather as a “freak accident” after he died during a rugby match.
The 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.
Now spectators have come forward to describe the shocking incident, saying it looked like a regulation tackle.
Cory Heather (pictured with partner Rachel Hurcombe) died on Sunday after a horror accident during a rugby match in Auckland.
Heather leaves three children (pictured): Stevie (5), Benji (4) and Louie (1).
Beachlands resident Gareth Price was at Te Puru Park watching his young nephews play and decided to stay and watch the seniors’ game.
‘There was a bit of exaggeration. “Everyone was looking forward to it,” she said. Stuff.
“He had caught the ball upright. A guy came up and tackled him. There was no malice in it, it was a good, tough tackle, it was a good, tough game.
But then Heather didn’t get up and the crowd quickly saw that something was terribly wrong.
“We didn’t realize how serious it was, so they started doing CPR and we were like, What the hell is going on?” Price said.
“When you see CPR, you know it’s serious.”
Price said Heather was communicating with first responders when they arrived, including members of the volunteer fire brigade and a medic who was playing soccer on another field.
“Anyone who had any ability came.”
That included Heather’s stricken partner, who viewers said also tried to resuscitate him.
“Hurcombe was pretty amazing, he was a bit of a rock… He had his wits and he was in control, doing the best he could,” Price said.
His family agreed to take him off life support on Sunday.
now a The fundraiser has been posted on the Givealittle website.a platform like GoFundMe, to raise vital funds for Rachel and Heather’s children.
At the time of this publication, more than $115,000 had already been raised.
The fundraiser has been organized by family friends Candice Attwell and Ashleigh Cometti.
Heather’s partner, Rachel, was one of the first on the scene and reportedly helped administer CPR in an attempt to save her life.
Heather was diagnosed with an incurable brain hemorrhage and the family had to make the difficult decision to take her off life support on Sunday.
‘On Saturday April 27, Cory Heather suffered a serious brain injury during a rugby match. Surrounded by his family and friends, Cory sadly passed away on Sunday afternoon,” the appeal reads.
‘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 will be greatly missed. We will love you forever, fly high Cory.
“If you are willing and able to help, we would appreciate donations for Rachel and her children during this heartbreaking time.”
There has already been enormous support, with several large donations from contributors who wish to remain anonymous.
There are also many messages of support for the grieving family.
‘Thinking of you Rachel and your family. “Cory was an amazing person to work with and do projects with,” Nathan and Ella posted.
‘He touched our lives and made our work as architects a truly rewarding experience. Above all, he had become a friend to both of us and it was a pleasure to hear him talk about family and his love for all of you.
“Things will not be the same on site without their presence and we wish them all the aroha and support at this difficult time.”
Heather’s mother, partner and children were watching the game when 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.
