Penrith Panthers boost the spirits of Michael Warburton’s family after incredible gesture
The Penrith Panthers took time out of their grand final week to support a Brisbane family mourning the loss of a beloved father and husband after the NRL team tragic died in a hit and run crash. SEE THE VIDEO
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A Brisbane family mourning the loss of their father and husband after a tragic hit and run crash have been uplifted after a heartwarming gesture from the NRL premiers on the eve of Sunday’s grand final victory.
Hemmant man Michael Warburton died after being hit by a stolen car at Wynnum West while driving his Vespa road scooter home from the gym on September 26.
Tributes have poured in for the popular bayside man in the week since the crash with the memorials for Mr Warburton displaying one main theme – merchandise from his beloved Penrith Panthers.
And as the team he loved more than anything, except his family and friends, prepared for the season decider against rivals Parramatta this past weekend, the club and some of its superstars took time out of grand final week to boost the family’s spirits.
Penrith sent two signed jerseys as well made a touching video, featuring Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Stephen Crighton and J’maine Hopgood, giving their best wishes to Mr Warburton’s family.
“Condolences to Anita and the kids, we heard you guys are massive Panthers fans, we’re thinking of you in this tough time, blessings above and let’s go Panthers,” Luai said in the video.
Mr Warburton’s wife of 33 years, Anita, said the gesture meant the world to her family.
“When Tracy (a friend) had told me this was happening, as her sister had a contact (for the Panthers) from her job from years ago, from the moment she mentioned the jersey and until they arrived it took like 19 hours and it was just mind blowing,” Mrs Warburton said.
“I could just see this great big smile on Michael’s face and how happy this would have made him.
“I am planning to have the jerseys framed and put a little engraved plate on them and give them to both the boys as a happy memory of their dad.”
Mrs Warburton said her late husband was passionate about two things – his family and the Panthers.
The family and some of Mr Warburton’s closest friends cheered the Panthers onto victory on Sunday at a watch party at the home of the Wynnum Vikings as Penrith demolished the Eels 28-12 to capture back-to-back premierships.
Mr Warburton will be farewelled at a funeral service at the Wynnum Baptist Church on October 10.
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