Heartbreaking tributes pour in for footy star who died aged just 25 due to a mystery ‘medical event’ – leaving behind twin daughters

The rugby community has come together to pay tribute to Highlanders Super Rugby star and Maori All Blacks player Connor Garden-Bachop, who died on Monday aged 25.

Garden-Bachop, a father of twins, reportedly died from a medical event at a relative’s home in Christchurch on Monday evening.

The young footballer, an outside defender, was part of the Highlanders’ Super Rugby team for the 2024 season.

But the Highlanders announced last week that several players would not return to the team next year, including Garden-Bachop.

A few days ago, Garden-Bachop took to Instagram to thank the Highlanders for an ‘unforgettable five years’ at the club.

Garden-Bachop played for the Māori All Blacks in 2022 and played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific

‘Thank you @highlandersteam for an unforgettable five years. Thank you to everyone in the south for making me feel at home, and thank you to the guys I had the honor of sharing the field with, it was a pleasure, I will miss you all. Until next time,” he wrote.

The New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and New Zealand Rugby Players Association issued a combined statement on Monday.

“On behalf of the entire rugby community, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association would like to express our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family,” statement read.

“Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event, and rugby’s collective focus at this time is on supporting his family. All rugby groups are currently walking with the Garden-Bachop family and we are collectively united in our grief.

“Connor was a fantastic young player, an exciting New Zealand age group representative and a proud Māori All Black. Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could light up the room.

“Most importantly, he was a loving father to his twin girls, a brother, a son and loved beyond measure by all who knew him.

“NZR, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the Players Association are providing support and we ask that the privacy of the Garden-Bachop family is respected.”

The statement also included a song for the young player in both Māori and English.

Football fans have also taken to social media to post tributes.

‘Unspeakably, incredibly tragic. Thoughts and love for his two poor girls, I can’t even imagine,” one fan wrote on X.

‘Heartbreaking news about Connor Garden-Bachop. Only 25. Two children. Life can be cruel sometimes. May he rest in peace, and may his family find peace,” said another.

‘RIP Connor Garden-Bachop. I loved seeing that man running through the open space. Shattered for his family. My thoughts are with them all. Go all around them,” another posted,” a third posted.

“Very sad to hear about Connor Garden-Bachop. Only 25 years old. My heart goes out to Stephen and the entire Garden-Bachop clan. Especially after the death of mother Sue, not so long ago. Leave behind a young family. His mates and teammates will be devastated too,” said another.

He is the son of former All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop

The 25-year-old footballer recently took to Instagram to thank the Highlanders for an ‘unforgettable five years’

Recalling a personal experience they had with the footy star, another Such a sweet child. “It’s so incredibly sad to read of his passing and my thoughts are with his family and friends,” wrote another.

Garden-Bachop made 35 appearances for the Highlanders after making his debut in 2021.

He is the son of ex-All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop. Garden-Bachop is also the cousin of ex-All Black Graeme Bachop.

His brother Jackson Garden-Bachop is also a professional rugby player and played for the Hurricanes.