‘I’m in pieces’: Wife’s heartbreaking admission after star dies

The wife of rugby star Sean Wainui, who died in a car crash, has posted heartbreaking tributes as she struggles to comprehend her loss.

The widow of Maori All Blacks and Chiefs Super Rugby star Sean Wainui has shared a heartfelt tribute on social media — receiving a tā moko (tattoo) in honour of her late husband.

Paige Wainui shared a video and photo on Instagram, her second post since the passing of Sean, who died aged 25 in a car crash last week.

“I don’t have the words right now or could begin to describe the feeling of losing you baby all I know is I don’t wish this on anyone,” she wrote in the caption.

“I’m in absolute pieces and in so much pain knowing my whole other half to me has left this earth.

“But I will forever celebrate you my love for being the most amazing and incredible husband & father you were and the special years we got to spend together on this earth.”

Wainui, 25, was farewelled on Sunday at Te Wainui Marae in Gisborne, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.

He was killed in a car crash at McLaren Falls Park, near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty on the North Island last Monday morning.

Paige’s heartfelt social media message was accompanied with a video of her getting a tā moko — similar to that of her husband — on her ring finger by an artist who also tattooed the rugby player.

“It was truly a special moment as he did Sean’s mokowhiti to resemble our marriage and our tamariki,” Paige wrote.

She also thanked people for the “overwhelming support, generosity and aroha” they have shown her over the past week.

“The awhi (love and care) has been out of this world. I am incredibly appreciative of you all thank you so much,” she said.

Wainui played 53 games for Taranaki before shifting to Bay of Plenty this year. He also played 44 Super Rugby games for the Chiefs, nine for the Crusaders and represented New Zealand Māori since 2015.

In June he scored five tries in a Super Rugby trans-Tasman victory over the Waratahs, the first player to ever do so in Super Rugby history.

Eulogies were given by a number of people at his tangi (funeral), including Wainui’s siblings, father and the Taranaki coach.

On her Instagram story, Paige posted more heartbreaking tributes.

“Laying you to rest yesterday was the hardest thing I have and will ever have to do in my entire life,” he wrote.

“Missing you so much my baby, I love you forever.

“Not a second goes by where I’m not thinking of you my baby ... I know you’re looking over us forever.

“I’m so lost without you.”

Wainui’s siblings Whitney and Luke Wainui also spoke at his funeral.

“The four of us were extremely close and we held each other like the walls of a whare. You will be surely missed but always remain close to our hearts,” Luke said.

Wainui’s father Paul said his heart is starting to heal.

“I don’t wish any parent to bury their own child especially this age, engari (but) God gives and God takes,” he said.

This story first appeared on the NZ Herald and was reproduced with permission