Grant Cook, 28, dies after rugby league tackle

THE wife of Grant Cook has written a heartbreaking message after her husband died from a tackle on the football field.

Grant Cook, 28, died in a rugby game for the Murwillumbah Mustangs. Picture: Facebook

GRANT Cook, a 28-year-old father of two, has died after collapsing on the field following a tackle in a rugby league game in northern NSW.

Mr Cook, from the Gold Coast, died in hospital overnight after receiving a head injury during a semi-final match yesterday, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

He went into cardiac arrest during the A grade game, playing for the Murwillumbah Mustangs against Casino yesterday, and died last night surrounded by loved ones.

Mr Cook’s wife Colleen wrote a heartbreaking message on Facebook after his passing.

“My goodness. Where to start? And what’s the correct way to announce the passing of a husband, son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, teammate and friend so many of us loved,” Mrs Cook wrote.

“My beautiful husband Grant is now an angel watching over us. Life can be so cruel. He has left a huge hole in my heart and I know all family, especially his parents, are hurting trying to understand this tragedy.

“Walking away down that hospital corridor was one of the hardest things I have ever done. And I’m surprised I made it out with how heavy my legs and heart and body felt.

“We loved him so much, and he loved us. And I guess this part is what hurts me the most. Him not growing old with me and watching our children hit each milestone.”

Grant and Colleen Cook. Picture: Facebook

Mrs Cook wrote a heartbreaking post on Facebook.

Mr Cook received a head injury before going into cardiac arrest and losing consciousness at 3.30pm.

He was then transported to the Gold Coast University Hospital where he lost his life.

Northern Rivers Rugby League president Brian Rix said the local football community was in shock.

“It was just a normal game of rugby league that has turned into a tragic event,” Mr Rix said, according to Fairfax.

“We are just a little bit taken aback this morning, trying to sort ourselves out.”

Country Rugby League issued a statement, saying it offered “sincere condolences to the family and friends of 28-year-old Grant Cook who tragically passed away whilst playing for The Murwillumbah Mustangs Rugby League Club yesterday”.

“Country Rugby League will be offering counselling to the family and both teams who participated in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League match,” the statement added.

The Mustangs also released a statement, which read: “It is with a very heavy heart that we wake up with today hearing the news of the passing of Grant Cook.

“Grant has been a member of the Giants family since he was a Jnr Giant, playing, coaching and being a committee member.

“No words can describe the sadness we are feeling. Out heart felt condolences go to all of Grant’s family.”

New South Wales police are investigating.