NRL star Latrell Mitchell is devastated after a car crash claimed the life of his teenage cousin in northern NSW.
Mitchell’s 14-year-old cousin was traveling through the Jubullum Mission with four other boys in an allegedly stolen Volkswagen Tiguan on Saturday morning.
It is understood the driver lost control and crashed into a tree.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs star’s cousin and a 15-year-old boy were pronounced dead at the scene.
Three other teenagers were taken to hospital, one in serious condition, while two others were treated for minor injuries.
Sources close to Mitchell have said he was heartbroken and mourned the tragic loss with his family.
NRL star Latrell Mitchell (pictured) has been left devastated after a car crash claimed the life of his cousin in northern New South Wales
Just weeks earlier, Mitchell had traveled around NSW with some of the state’s top police officers to help launch a program aimed at keeping children off the streets.
Deputy Commissioner Gavin Wood said officers who had worked with Mitchell were saddened for him and his family after the tragedy.
“He has been a great supporter and advocate both within the Youth Command and the NSW Police Indigenous platform,” Mr Wood told police. Daily telegram.
“He traveled with us to launch the Fight For Success programs in the northern and western regions of the state.
‘Prior to that time he had been heavily involved in the anti-violence programme, helping us with important messages around young people and expectations about their behavior and conduct.’
Last week, 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 giving false testimony to the court.
In body-worn camera footage submitted to the court, Mitchell can be heard shouting: “I’m Latrell Mitchell” as he begged for help and cried in pain as police arrested him in the early hours of February 5 in Canberra tried to fascinate.
You could hear him yelling ‘because I’m a black dude?’ and ‘I didn’t do anything wrong’.
CCTV footage shows Mitchell obeying police orders to get on his knees before several officers pinned him to the ground.
Mitchell was charged that evening with resisting territory officials, fighting in a public place and affray.
Lawyers for the pair will now consider whether further action will be taken against ACT police or the Crown Prosecution Service.
Mr Mitchell is said to join his family in mourning the loss of his cousin
Last week, charges against Mr Mitchell (left) and his friend Jack Wighton (right) were dropped in the ACT Magistrates Court,
Last month, Mitchell defended players who did not sing the Australian national anthem after several footy stars remained silent ahead of a match between Australia and Samoa.
Rugby legend Max Krilich called for Kangaroos players to be dropped if they did not want to sing Advance Australia Fair before matches.
Mitchell took to social media to decry Krilich’s comments about the situation.
One in all, he says?’ Mitchell wrote on his Instagram story.
“Well, make a song that includes native people.
“Maybe change the date (of Australia Day)? Or do I not even know a voice to be heard?’