Shocking new details revealed after footy player, 33, died of horror head knock suffered during game – leaving behind children aged five, four and one
Shocked witnesses have described the death of New Zealand construction worker Cory Heather as a “freak accident” after he was killed during a rugby match.
The 33-year-old father-of-three died surrounded by his loved ones just hours after suffering a serious brain injury 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.
Now onlookers have come forward to describe the shocking incident, saying it looked like a regular tackle.
Cory Heather (pictured with partner Rachel Hurcombe) died on Sunday after a horrific accident during a rugby match in Auckland
Heather is survived by three children (photo) Stevie (5), Benji (4) and Louie (1)
Beachlands resident Gareth Price was at Te Puru Park watching his young nephews play and decided to stay to watch the senior match.
‘There was a bit of hype. Everyone was looking forward to it,” he said Stuff.
‘He caught the ball upright. A man came by and tackled him. There was no malice in it, it was a good, hard tackle, it was a good, hard play.”
But then Heather didn’t get up and the crowd quickly saw that something was terribly wrong.
“We didn’t realize how serious it was, then they started CPR and we thought, what the hell is going on?” Price said.
“When you see CPR, you know it’s serious.”
Price said Heather was communicating with first responders when they arrived, including volunteer fire department members and a medic who was playing soccer on another field.
“Anyone who had any skills came along.”
This also applied to Heather’s stricken partner, who, according to onlookers, also tried to revive him.
“Hurcombe was pretty amazing, she was a bit of a rock… She had her mind and was in control and did her best,” Price said.
His family agreed to turn off his life support on Sunday.
Now one fundraiser has been posted on the Givealittle websitea platform like GoFundMe, to raise vital funds for Rachel and Heather’s children.
At the time of publication, more than $115,000 had already been raised.
The fundraiser was created by family friends Candice Attwell and Ashleigh Cometti.
Heather’s partner Rachel was one of the first on the scene and reportedly helped administer CPR in an attempt to save his life
Heather was diagnosed with an incurable brain hemorrhage and the family had to make the difficult decision to withdraw his life support on Sunday.
‘On Saturday April 27, Cory Heather suffered a serious brain injury during a rugby match. Surrounded by his family and friends, Cory unfortunately passed away on Sunday evening,” the call reads.
‘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. We love you forever, fly high Cory.
“If you are willing and able to support, we would appreciate donations for Rachel and her children during this heartbreaking time.”
There has already been tremendous support, with several large donations from donors who wish to remain anonymous.
There are also numerous messages of support for the grieving family.
“Thinking of you Rachel and family. Cory was a great person to work with and realize projects with,” said Nathan and Ella.
‘He influenced our lives and made our work as architects a truly rewarding experience. Most of all, he had become a friend to both of us and it was a pleasure to hear him talk about family and his love for all of you.
“Without his presence, things will not be the same on the ground and we wish you all the aroha and support during this difficult time.”
Heather’s 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.
“Cory was a much-loved member of the Senior Under 85kg team, the Club and the wider community,” Beachlands president James Gemmell said in a statement.
“The 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.