Cory Heather: Young father-of-three footy player dies after suffering a horrific head knock during a game
- A terrible accident took the life of a 33-year-old this weekend
- The rugby community is supporting the player’s shattered family
A 33-year-old father of three has died surrounded by his loved ones, just hours after suffering serious brain injuries from a blow to the head during a rugby match in New Zealand.
Cory Heather was playing for Beachlands Maraetai Club in Auckland on Saturday when he reportedly took a knee to the head, knocking him unconscious.
A rescue helicopter was called to the scene at Te Puru Park on the city’s eastern suburbs and he was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.
Heather’s mother Donna, partner Rachel Hurcombe and their three young children watched the match.
Cory Heather (pictured with partner Rachel Hurcombe) died on Sunday after a horrific accident during a rugby match in Auckland
The 33-year-old had three children with his partner, all of whom are aged five or under
Heather is remembered as a ‘much loved’ partner and member of his rugby club, as well as a ‘hands-on’ father
His family agreed to turn off his life support on Sunday.
a A fundraising page has been set up to help the family and at the time of writing it had raised over $36,000.
āSurrounded by his family and friends, Cory sadly passed away on Sunday morning,ā a message on the page said.
‘A beloved partner to Rachel, the father of his three children Stevie (5), Benji (4) and Louie (1), and a dear friend to many.
‘A bright spark who led an exceptional life and will be so dearly missed.
āWe love you forever, fly high Cory.ā
His mother, partner and children were watching the match when the tragedy unfolded
Heather was playing for Beachlands Maraetai club (pictured) when a knee to the head left him unconscious
The match Heather played in had a weight restriction and no player over 85kg was allowed to compete.
āCory was a much-loved member of the Senior Under 85kg team, the Club and the wider community,ā Beachlands president James Gemmell said in a statement.
āThe club is deeply saddened by Cory’s passing. His family, friends and teammates all have our love and support.
‘We understand that the accident will have been traumatic for many involved, including the opposition, match officials and spectators.’
Outside of rugby, Heather was a builder and director of the Woodstar Construction company.
New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Mark Robinson expressed the organisation’s “deepest condolences” to Heather’s family after hearing the shocking news.
“Please know that all of New Zealand rugby is behind you,” Robinson said in a statement.