Kelly Meafua, a Samoan back-row forward, died on Friday night after plunging from a bridge into the Tarn River following an evening of partying. The club confirmed the news of his death.
Kelly Meafua, a former Waratahs player and Samoan sevens international, died after jumping over a bridge following a victory in France. The rugby world is mourning his death.
In an attempt to save Meafua, teammate Christopher Vaotoa dove into the water, but was recovered by firemen and sent to the hospital with hypothermia.
What Happened To Kelly Meafua?
Kelly Meafua, a Samoan back-row forward, died after jumping from a bridge into the Tarn River hours after playing in a French second division match.
Despite the efforts of a teammate, Meafua’s club Montauban revealed the 32-year-old had died in the early hours of Saturday morning.
According to French media sources, a teammate called prop Christopher Vaotoa dived into the sea but was unable to save Meafua. Vaotoa was transported to the hospital with hypothermia and was released on Saturday in excellent condition.
The two were said to have been out celebrating Montauban’s 48-40 triumph over Narbonne in the team’s final home Pro D2 game of the season at Stade Sapiac just hours before.
Following Meafua’s death, Montauban stated that the club was in shock.
“The entire club is startled, and everyone is thinking about his wife, his children, his teammates, and everyone who cares about the club,” the club said in a statement.
“Kelly was a player who was popular with everyone. His enthusiasm for life was contagious. We’ve lost a player, a friend, and a brother today.”
Meafua was born in Samoa and came to New Zealand as a youth, but did not begin playing rugby until he was 20 years old.
He relocated to Sydney after spells with Otahuhu, Auckland Under–21s, and Auckland Sevens. He played in the Shute Shield for West Harbour and the Greater Sydney Rams.
In 2014, he was a member of the NSW Waratahs’ extended training squad before joining Narbonne in France in 2015. Before going to Montauban last year, he played for Beziers.
He appeared in 24 Pro D2 matches for Montauban this season, scoring eight tries.
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Kelly Meafua, Samoan Rugby Player Dies After Jumping From Bridge In France
Former Samoan sevens international Kelly Meafua died after jumping from a bridge following a victory in France, according to a French rugby club.
The 32-year-old flanker was playing for Montauban, who had recently defeated Narbonne in France’s Pro D2 second division on Friday (Saturday NZ time).
“Kelly was so widely regarded at USM that everyone is shocked. We’ve lost not only a player but also a brother and a friend “In a statement, the team added.
According to French press sources, Meafua and his teammates were celebrating Montaubaun’s victory in the season’s last home game when he leaped from a height of more than 20 meters into the Tarn River.
The body of Meafua was discovered the next morning.
Meafua was honored on the website of the Union Sportive Montauban Sapiac club.
“U.S.M. Sapiac regretfully announces Kelly Meafua’s death during the night of Friday to Saturday,” the club said in a statement.
“One of his teammates attempted but failed to save him.
“After being admitted to the hospital for hypothermia, he [Vaotoa] was released in excellent health this morning. Training has been halted till further notice.
“The entire U.S.M. Sapiac club is devastated by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with his wife, children, teammates, and, more broadly, all our fans.”
“Kelly was a player who was loved by everybody; his joy was contagious and contagious.”
Kelly Meafua Death Cause And Obituary, What Happened?
Kelly Meafua died at the age of 31 after jumping off the bridge into the Tarn River. The drowning might have been the cause of his death.
May his soul rest in peace in heaven. We sent our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Tributes and obituary news are flowing to honor the player.