Joshua Williams remembered, community grieves following his shock death

A dedicated dad and “diehard league man” who once played for the Broncos under 20s is being remembered after his tragic death at 35.

Joshua Williams’ family and friends have united in this trying time. Picture: Nicky Garrett.

Family and friends are reeling following the sudden death of beloved rugby league talent and family man Joshua Williams, at the age of 35.

A family spokeswoman said Mr Williams died unexpectedly from health complications earlier this month, leaving behind a beautiful young wife and three children.

He has been remembered as a loving husband to Jessica and their three young children, a beloved son to Kay, and an “amazing” brother to siblings Ash and Jac.

The Gympie father was a talented rugby league player with deep community ties, having attended Gympie South State School and James Nash State Secondary School.

“He did footy for the Devils, won a grand final, and moved to the Noosa Pirates” before signing to the Broncos under 20s, Jessica’s sister Madi said on Friday.

Joshua Williams, a long-time Gympie Devils player and member, who died in July 2025 at age 35.

Mr Williams then played with the Gympie Devils again as a senior, but a series of injuries saw him eventually hang his boots.

“He was good at everything he tried: cricket, athletics.”

On Thursday afternoon July 10, Cutters Rugby Football Club hosted a memorial under 10s versus under 9s league match in Cooran in memory of Mr Williams.

“There was a minute’s silence at the game,” Madi said.

“The lady who spoke had known Josh since he was a kid and talked about how present he was as a father.”

One of Mr Williams’ children played in the Cooran tribute game, and much like his father did, excelled.

“He’s is an absolute weapon, I think he scored four tries on Thursday,” Madi said.

“Josh’s presence, kindness, and commitment to the team and community will be deeply missed,” Cutters Rugby posted on their Facebook.

Joshua Williams (right) had a highly successful run in rugby league, signing with the Broncos under 20s before a series of injuries forced him to hang his boots.

“(The game) was great. It was perfect, actually,” said club president Sharon Collins, who knew Joshua and his family well.

“It was really heartwarming, pretty much all the players and parents turned up.”

On Saturday, July 5, Gympie Devils Rugby League club hosted their own memorial match for Mr Williams, a longtime player, just after midday.

Close family friend Nicky Garrett shared a touching tribute on Facebook.

“We’ve lost one of the good ones.

“A husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a mate.

“Josh was one of the real blokes left in this world — hardworking, loving, always present, and the kind of person you could easily strike up a yarn with,” they said.

“An all-round top bloke. He’s left his beautiful family far too soon, and the universe has made a terrible, terrible mistake.

“Josh was a diehard league man. He loved his sport — playing it, watching it, and cheering his kids on as they thrived in it.

“Footy isn’t just a game for Josh and Jess — it is life – even though Jess will disagree league is the wrong code!”

Jessica shared the tragic news on Facebook, and received an outpouring of support.
“I would like to take a moment to thank friends, family and community for their kind thoughts, words and tributes that we have received over the past few days for Joshua (boss), he would be so pleased with himself for meaning so much (to) many,” she posted.

She said Joshua’s funeral would be held in Gympie, with the date and location still to be determined.

“It’s clear the world has lost someone truly special,” Lynne Lumley commented.

“My heart goes out to everyone who loved him, especially his beautiful family.

“To them, I gently say: be kind to yourselves as you navigate this new chapter without Josh here in the physical.

“Allow the grief to move through you — for where there is deep grief, there is even deeper love.”

“Oh Jess … my heart breaks for you and your gorgeous family. Sending you so much love and strength,” Emily Grigg commented.

Emma Dore also had some heartfelt words for Jessica.

“Beautiful Jess, words cannot begin to describe what you must be going through right now,” she said.

“I only had the pleasure of meeting Josh once and he seemed like a genuine, down to earth bloke who loved his family.”