Shawn Mackay
- 26 years old
- Male
- Born May 31, 1982
- Died Apr 06, 2009
- Durban, South Africa
About
Shawn Mackay Passes away
from Rugby.com .au
Australian Rugby is in shock after Brumbies forward Shawn Mackay passed away in a South African hospital today from injuries sustained when struck by a car in Durban last week.
The tragedy has rocked the sporting community.
“Obviously the thoughts and prayers of everyone in the game go to Shawn’s family at this most difficult time,” said ARU Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill.
“Shawn was a wonderful young man, a credit to the game of Rugby, and much loved by all who knew him.
“We were all hoping after the terrible events of last week that he would recover from what were horrific injuries.
“He had a fighting spirit that inspired those around him.
“As captain of the Australian Sevens team, his leadership qualities were evident to anyone who came into contact with that team.
“Last year he also took on the coaching of the Australian Women’s Sevens team and guided them to the Oceania title which qualified the side for the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens.
“The girls, after winning the World Cup in Dubai last month, paid tribute to the role Shawn played last year in assisting them on their quest.
“This news today has shocked not only the Rugby world but the entire sporting fraternity given the friends Shawn had across the various codes.”
Shawn’s father John was a former Eastern Suburbs rugby league player, and Shawn was following the same career path with the Roosters before switching codes.
A former pupil at Waverley College in Sydney, Mackay graduated from the Sevens program into Super 14 this season with the Canberra-based Brumbies.
He made his debut off the bench for the Brumbies against the Lions in their opening tour match in South Africa a little over a fortnight ago and won his second cap as a replacement in the game against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday, 28 March.
Hours later on a night out with teammates he was struck by a car crossing a road in the city.
His injuries were extensive and there were complications to follow when he contracted an infection as a consequence of the multiple injuries sustained.
Shattered Brumbies players only learned of the tragic news on returning to Sydney this afternoon from their tour to South Africa.
Shawn’s parents John and Leonie and his partner Trish had flown to South Africa early last week to be by his side.
Brumbies manager Rob McQuade and team doctor Warren McDonald also stayed in South Africa after the Brumbies tour concluded with a game against the Cheetahs at the weekend.Shawn was in a road side accident in Durban SA last Sunday. He contracted a blood infection and died of a heart attack. He'll be missed by his fans, friends and family.
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One year on: RIP Shawn Mackay
Julia Sheppard May 04, 2010
Rest in peace
Anthony Kittow Apr 18, 2009
I am a big fan of the brumbies and was deeply saddened when i heard of the news from Sth African that Shawn was fighting for his life in a Durban hospital after being senselessly run down following a night out with fellow team mates following his teams match against the shark.s.To learn of his passing at such a young age just isn't fair.I know you will be in captain of the rugby team in heaven .Your spirit will live on the hearts of the Brumbies forever.God bless you and your family
Our Brumbie
Leanne Apr 17, 2009
Parents must be proud - from an old friend
Sue Mitchell Apr 16, 2009
I can't begin to know how Lee & John are coping. However, they must be so very proud of the comments made about their son. He was obviously a great bloke, and fantastic team member and a loving son and brother. Lee & John - my heart goes out to you.
Sue Mitchell (now of Bribie Island)