Gold Coast fitness coach Joey Hayes pays tribute to New Zealand volcano victim Jess Richards and her mother Jules

The owner of a Miami gym where NZ volcano victim Jess Richards trained has paid an emotional tribute to the 20-year-old, who lost her life in the tragedy alongside her mother Jules.

THE Gold Coast coach of one of the victims of New Zealand’s volcano tragedy says the world has lost an incredible person who has left a legacy for young female footballers.

Jess Richards, who died in the disaster on White Island in the Bay of Plenty on Monday along with mother Jules, has been remembered by fitness mentor Joey Hayes, the operator of Miami’s Ultimate Sports Performance.

Richards, 20, spent three years training with Hayes, introducing the likes of Suns AFLW player Georgia Brehmer to his camps.

“Our thoughts go out to Jules and Jess Richards’ friends and family following the tragedy in New Zealand,” Hayes said.

Ultimate Sports Performance operator Joey Hayes with Jess Richards. Picture: Supplied.

“Jess was one of our very first junior female Australian rules players to train in the USP Pit Gym.

“For more than three years I got to witness a young lady who was loyal, committed and honest both on and off the field.

“She would drive an hour-and-a-half from west Brisbane to train here.

“Jess’ leadership was exemplary; helping form the very first USP AFL Female Training Camp.

“She would take it upon herself to make new athletes feel comfortable in the USP PIT Gym environment.

“Jess left a positive impact on everyone she met. Her legacy and example for many young women at our AFL Camps and in The Pit will always live on.

“Like her daughter, Jules was always available to lend a hand and help set up at the camp or assist with the feast, anything to help make another person’s life easier.

Jess Richards training at Ultimate Sports Performance. Picture: Supplied.

“They were great human beings who are gone but not forgotten.”

In a statement from AFL Queensland, CEO Dean Warren said the entire football community was mourning the loss of Richards, a member of Yeronga South Brisbane Football Club.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: $5 PER MONTH FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS

“Our football community is grieving today, and we send our love and support to the Richards family, the Yeronga South Brisbane Football Club and the family’s wider circle of friends following the passing of Julie and Jessica,” Warren said.

“Julie and her daughter Jessica both had great energy and enthusiasm for the game, and their deaths are a tragic loss for the football community in Queensland.

“Jessica, known as ‘Richo’, was a talented footballer who began playing with the Park Ridge Football Club before moving to Yeronga South Brisbane while her mother Julie was a familiar face to everyone at the club, volunteering her time heavily with the women’s team where she was a much-loved figure.

“At this time, AFL Queensland is working closely with the Yeronga South Brisbane Football Club on the support required to all players, coaches and staff at the club.”