Jerry Collins and his partner Alana tragically died in a car crash this morning... R.I.P.

Jerry Collins and his partner Alana tragically died in a car crash this morning… R.I.P.

Hurricanes and All Blacks legend Jerry Collins and his partner Alana Madill have tragically passed away following a car accident in France on Friday morning.

The duo were Beziers when their car was apparently struck by a bus.

The couple sadly passed away while their three-month-old daughter was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Collins joined Wellington in 1999, earning 85 Super Rugby caps and first receiving a call-up to the All Blacks in 2001. He went on to play 48 Tests before retiring after the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

He subsequently joined French club Toulon and Ospreys in Wales before a stint in Japan.

He was 34 years of age.

Tributes have started flowing in from around the rugby world and a moment’s silence will be observed before kick-off between the Hurricanes and Highlanders in Napier on Friday evening.

“Jerry Collins is an undisputed legend of the game for Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. He inspired all of those around him with his passion and love for the game throughout a highly decorated career for club and country.

“A complex character who was sometimes misunderstood, Jerry was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

“Thoughts and prayers go out to both he and Alana’s family and especially to their young daughter who is bravely fighting for life.

“Rest in peace JC, as the rugby world mourns and remembers one of its greats.”

New Zealand Rugby also reacted with shock and sadness.

“The news has shocked us all and our thoughts are with Jerry and Alana’s families at this terribly sad time. We offer our deepest condolences to them and will support them as they come to terms with this devastating news,” New Zealand Rugby General Manager Rugby Neil Sorensen said.

Jerry Collins’ long-standing manager Tim Castle, speaking on behalf of the family said, “The family and I are distraught at the death of a much-loved son, brother and friend, and his partner Alana, whom I got to know recently.

“I have been in touch with Jerry’s father Frank and other members of his family who are in Samoa at the moment. It’s obviously a terribly difficult time for them and together with New Zealand Rugby we are doing all we can to support them.

“I have also been in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who are also doing everything they can to ensure that baby Ayla is getting all the care and support she needs. I am very grateful for their support.

“The family would also like to thank everyone for their messages of support and have asked for privacy at this time.”

Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer, Bill Pulver, issued the following statement on behalf Australian Rugby.

“Australian Rugby is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry and his partner Alana and extends its deepest condolences to family and friends of the couple, and to the New Zealand Rugby Union.

“Jerry was one of the toughest forwards in the game and is right up there with the all-time great players to wear the All Black jersey. World Rugby has lost one of its fiercest competitors and he will be dearly remembered by teammates and rugby fans at home in New Zealand and across the globe.”

 

 

 

12 Responses to New Zealand Rugby: R.I.P. Former All Black Jerry Collins dies in car crash

  • 1

    Rest in peace Jerry, an All Black great and a hard man on the field of play!

    Condolences!

  • 2

    Seker een van die beste spelers in die swart trui wat ek nog gesien het RIP

  • 3

    Sad, sad news.

    Van ;n vuilisverwyderaar tot ‘n rugby legende. Ek sal altyd die tweestryd tussen hom en Schalla onthou.

    R.I.P. Jerry Collins.

  • 4

    Schalk and he were great friends.He used to take
    SB to his club to socialise after games.
    I am sure that SB will raise a glass to him.
    What the hell,So will I.Comfort break of te not.

  • 5

    I saw this on BBC this morning

    Jerry really loved the game, he played for a small club’s second team

    Watch the clip

    http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/33025064

  • 6

    @ Victoriabok:

    He actually paid busfare to the game like the rest of the team

    Afterwards he played as a Barbarian in their socks

  • 7

    tragic fate !!!
    hope for the little girl

  • 8

    @ Victoriabok:
    Thank you very much for this, what an amazing human being he was, warming the hearts of rugby folks even at the most remote rugby spots in the world, not only at centre stage at main international events.

  • 9

    My condolences to his family, friends, the people of New Zealand & the rest of the rugby community.

    RIP

  • 10

    Jerry was very humble man who loved rugby.
    If ever he had a free weekend,
    and his Club (Norths) were playing, Jerry would be there.
    Even if the All Black Hierarchy disapproved.

    In his early days he was a “Runner” for the garbage collection Company.
    And always said that was what made him an All Black.
    Sometimes, even as an AB, he would go out and do the Garbage Collection with his old buddies, just for the hell of it.

    Jerry…………………………….,
    Garbage man,
    Norths man,
    Wellington Lion,
    Hurricane,
    Barbarian,
    All Black,
    and as Victoria Bok points out above……………………………Barnstaple 2nds player who paid his own bus fare to the game.

    RIP Jerry and Alana.
    And Gods good grace to the Young One.

  • 11

    @ cane:
    Amen to all of that pal.
    The world is an “emptier’ place
    Rye

  • 12

    @ cane:

    A nice eulogy there Cane. Very moving and sums up what he was all about.

    A great All Black.
    A great rugby man.
    RIP Jerry Collins

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