Police reveal cause of horror Christmas holiday crash that killed footy star Troy Dargan – after his family made a desperate plea
- Dargan died on Christmas Eve in a motorcycle accident
- Was on holiday with family in the Cook Islands at the time
- Family later pleaded for help on the GoFundMe post
Police in the Cook Islands have labeled the motorcycle crash that killed Troy Dargan as an alcohol and speed-related incident following the NRL star's death on Christmas Eve.
The 26-year-old was on Christmas holiday with family in the South Pacific country when tragedy struck.
Local police officers said Dargan was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, which occurred after the former Souths, Manly and Canberra player returned to his accommodation after a night out with family. News Corp reported.
“The 26-year-old was found unconscious on the road where he had crashed into a fence at Aitutaki airport,” a Cook Islands police statement said.
Dargan – who played two NRL games for Souths (pictured) – died on Christmas Eve while on holiday with his family in the Cook Islands
Police believe speed and alcohol were factors in the crash, and that Dargan (pictured) was not wearing a helmet at the time
'Unfortunately, police are classifying the fatal accident as an alcohol and speed-related incident.
“The deceased was not wearing a helmet and suffered severe head trauma and other injuries.”
The news comes shortly after Dargan's family GoFundMe message to beg for help to get his body to Sydney.
“Dearest family, friends and fans of Troy “Tj” Dargan. On behalf of my beloved sister-in-law Wendy and her husband Troy Dargan, it pains me so much to write this,” the message read.
“Our family is trying to return his body to Sydney, Australia. With his passing just before Christmas and the suddenness of it all, I am trying to help alleviate the financial costs in any way I can and am kindly asking people to donate to this cause.
NRL clubs including the Broncos, Rabbitohs, Manly and Canberra paid tribute to Dargan following his tragic death
The 26-year-old signed a contract to play for Canberra shortly before he passed away
“The timing of all this means the costs are much greater than we could have imagined.
“He was the most loving, caring son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend you could ask for.
“TJ never gave up, even when things got tough. He pushed himself to the limit and that's what made him so incredible.
“There are no words that will ever be able to express how deeply hurt we are all as a family and it is truly one of the most devastating things any of us can experience right now.”
Dargan's family called him “the most loving, caring son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend you could ever ask for” in a GoFundMe post
The post concludes by noting that the excess money raised will go towards Dargan's funeral.
At the time of writing, the post had raised $61,150 after setting a goal of $25,000.
Dargan played two NRL matches for the Rabbitohs in 2020 and also represented the Cook Islands twice in 2019.
The former Australian Schoolboys playmaker started his career at Parramatta before moving to the Broncos, where he spent two seasons in the Queensland Cup before joining Souths.
Dargan was in the Sea Eagles system in 2023 and played six games for Blacktown Workers.
He signed for Canberra in November for the 2024 season.