Tributes flow after Gold Coast referee Shawn McQuillan dies at Runaway Bay rugby game
The grassroots rugby referee, who is being remembered as a “genuine and humble man”, collapsed while reffing a game on the Gold Coast on the weekend.
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A grassroots rugby referee, who is being remembered as a “genuine and humble man”, has tragically died while refereeing a game on the Gold Coast on the weekend.
Gold Coast rugby referee Shawn McQuillan passed away in hospital after a medical incident at a game at Runaway Bay on Saturday.
Four ambulances were called to Bycroft Oval at around 9am on Saturday morning after Mr McQuillan fainted on the field.
A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said they received several calls at around 9.09am, nine minutes after the under 16 division two rugby game between Southport Tigers and Runaway Bay Seagulls game had started.
The spokesman said they assessed McQuillan, who was in a life-threatening condition, and rushed him to Gold Coast University Hospital.
A Gold Coast police spokeswoman said officers were called to the hospital at noon after Mr McQuillan passed away.
The tragic incident happened during the first of five games set to take place at Runaway Bay on Saturday.
Gavin Collins, who was at the field when the incident happened, thanked everyone who helped.
“I would like to thank everyone from Runaway Bay and Southport teams for everything that they did yesterday morning for Shawn,” he said.
“You put all your emotions aside to do everything you could to give him every chance.
“Your efforts didn’t go unnoticed.”
On Sunday, Gold Coast Rugby League Referees (GCRLRA) shared the heartbreaking news that McQuillan had died.
“It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of association member Shawn McQuillan,” they said on Facebook.
Mr McQuillan had been part of the referee association for 14 years and touched many lives throughout his time.
“Shawn liked being involved with our younger officials, often going out of his way to coach and mentor their games to help them develop,” the association said.
“Many of the Gold Coast members crossed paths with Shawn and will remember him as a friendly face who always greeted you with a smile and was only too happy to help out.
“Our thoughts go out to Shawn’s family and his partner Tahlia.
“Shawn was a great friend and a great person. He will be sorely missed.
“The GCRLRA sends out thanks and appreciation to the clubs and people who have reached out with their concerns and offers of support. Particularly Runaway Bay’s volunteers who were on and to offer assistance when the incident happened.”
The post was flooded with heartfelt comments including one from Tahlia Fay, Mr McQuillan’s fiance.
“I will miss you forever,” she said.
Other commenters reminisced on their time working and playing alongside Mr McQuillan.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Shawn at YMCA and hand on heart he always made the days so much better,” Mishel Meghan said.
“Such a genuine and humble man whom I will miss terribly. Even though he sin binned my son twice in one game … oh how we laughed and laughed about that.
“I’m still half expecting to see your car at work tomorrow and for you to roll in through the door, but you’re not.”
Craig Kershaw said Mr McQuillan was his daughter’s favourite educator at YMCA before and after school care.
“I always found him to be such a happy and lovely guy who was always smiling,” he said.
“As Billy Joel once said, ‘only the good die young’.
“Rest in peace Shawn and take with you the memory of how many people’s lives you have influenced in so many positive ways.”
Wayde Matthews said Mr McQuillan was a “great referee” who always filled the games with laughter.
“He had us all laughing when one of my players went out while scoring a try. He sent it up stairs to the video ref and received the response via his ear piece and awarded the try,” he said.
“There was no video ref or ear piece but he convinced the kids it was the video ref’s decision.
“Thanks Shawn, may your thoughts, struggles and pain be at rest while you blow your whistle up there.”
Close friend Jasmine Daoud said she was “numb” after hearing the news.
“No way, my shattered in a million pieces,” she said.
“You truly played a big role in my life Shawn.
“You were my older brother from another mother.
“I’ll never forget you. You’ll forever live on within your legacy.
“I am numb and lost for words. I love you so much.”
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