NT Indigenous All Stars rugby league player Eddie Wosomo mourned after fatal crash death
The Top End community have shown their support for the family of Eddie Wosomo, who tragically died in a car accident last month – with funds flowing to support his young family.
The Top End community have shown their support for the family of Eddie Wosomo, who tragically died in a car accident last month – with funds flowing to support his young family.
The beloved father and rugby league player was travelling home from work to enjoy the Easter weekend with his family when he was involved in a crash on the Arnhem Highway.
Mr Wosomo and fellow worker Andy Summerfield were both killed in the crash, with the sole survivor, a 20-year-old man, taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries
The 27-year-old Mr Wosomo had two young daughters with wife Kamika Lee Pollard.
He was also a popular member of the rugby league community having played for the South Darwin Rabbitohs in the NRL NT and featured for the NT Indigenous All Stars at the annual Deadly Cup.
A GoFundMe has been set up on the family’s behalf by Elle Hardwick to help cover funeral expenses and future wellbeing, with more than $7500 already raised.
“All who knew Eddie would agree, he was a beacon of love, laughter and fun,” the GoFundMe post read.
“His infectious smile would light up any room and he was taken far too soon, leaving behind his grieving family and community.
“As his partner Kamika and their beautiful daughters navigate through this unimaginable loss, we are reaching out for your support.
“Eddie was always putting his family’s needs above his own. His unwavering love and dedication knew no bounds, and his absence has left a void that cannot be filled.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Eddie’s grieving family and may remind his beautiful partner of hope during this dark chapter.”
The GoFundMe can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/eddie-wosomo
‘Selfless spirit’: Top End footy player mourned after crash death
April 8: A smiling father cradling his baby girls, a towering figure ploughing across the rugby pitch, and a fishing mate with a cheeky smirk holding his latest catch.
This is how loved ones want to remember NT Indigenous All Stars Rugby player Eddie Wosomo after he was lost to a devastating double-fatality just before the Easter long weekend.
The 27-year-old has been mourned by friends and family after he was killed in a single van crash on the Arnhem Highway, 90km west of Jabiru, on Thursday, March 28.
Mr Wosomo alongside fellow worker Andy Summerfield were killed, with the sole survivor, a 20-year-old man, taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.
NT WorkSafe confirmed an enquiry had begun as the crash was considered a workplace fatality.
Eddie’s partner Kamika Lee Pollard remembered her husband as a bounding source of energy, happiness and laughter in her life.
“Edward lived life to the fullest,” Ms Pollard said.
“He had a smile that lit a room and an infectious laugh.
“(He) made friends everywhere he went. He welcomed everyone and judged no one.”
She said the sports-mad Rabbitohs fan used to have just three main passions in his life: carpentry, rugby and fishing.
But those loves were eclipsed when his baby girls arrived.
“He loved his family and adored his daughters,” Ms Pollard said.
She said Eddie was so proud to share those passions with his daughters, with most of their weekends either spent at the footy grounds or on fishing adventures.
“He loved taking his girls to run around and be a part of that community,” Ms Pollard said.
“In his off time he loved a cold beer and a fish, spending time with his mates and having a laugh.
“He enjoyed his work and was always proud to show us what he helped built.”
Another family member said Eddie would be “forever missed”, choosing to remember him as the “life of the party” whose smile and style could light up a room.
Eddie’s mother said even as a child her son’s excitement and zest for life was “palpable” and he left a lasting impression on those around him.
“Eddie, my precious son, touched the lives of many with his infectious smile and non-judgemental nature, always seeing the good in everyone,” she said.
“From his early years, he displayed a selfless spirit, generously giving his clothes and shoes to those in need.
“A trait that persisted into adulthood.
“I often wondered what he would grown into, marvelling at his beauty and grateful for the privilege of witnessing him blossom into a young man and loving father.”
She remembered how her son was nicknamed “shark boy” by his poppy, because of his hunting and fishing talents at an early age.
“His accomplishments in life surpassed expectations, excelling as a chef and later as a skilled carpenter,” she said.
“His mastery of the trade far beyond his years.”
In a poem to her son, Eddie’s mother wrote that his “gentle soul” was now free to soar.
“The light you brought, a beacon bright, now shines as the stars in the darkest night,” she said.
“Though parted by the hands of fate, in spirit we’ll never separate.”
The grieving mother said her son’s memory would “endure eternally, cherished and beloved”.
“I love you forever.”
Darwin Dragons Rugby Union Club and South Darwin Rugby League Football Club shared their condolences after the loss of their strong forward and “cherished senior player”.
“Eddie was a much loved and respected member of our SDRL community and will be greatly missed,” Souths wrote on Facebook.
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Originally published as NT Indigenous All Stars rugby league player Eddie Wosomo mourned after fatal crash death
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