25-Year-Old Rugby Player Connor Garden-Bachop Passes Away Following “Medical Episode”
The rugby community is bidding farewell to a cherished member.
Connor Garden-Bachop, a promising rugby talent from New Zealand, passed away after a medical emergency on June 17 as confirmed by New Zealand Rugby. He was 25.
“On behalf of the entire rugby community,” a statement on June 18 from the organization began, “the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association would like to extend our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family. All of rugby stands with the Garden-Bachop family during this time and we are all united in our sorrow.”
The statement mentioned that Connor was “a fantastic” player, highlighting, “Wherever he played, he was a dedicated and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could brighten up the room.”
“Most importantly,” it continued, “he was a caring father to his twin girls, a brother, a son, and deeply cherished by all those who knew him.”
According to the Associated Press, Christchurch police released a statement they responded to a sudden death in the Fendalton suburb, but clarified that “the death is not considered suspicious and will be referred to the coroner.”