For the second time in less than a year, a rugby league team in the NSW Hunter region has lost a player unexpectedly. The club is in grief.
Blake Tisdell, 31, a father of four, passed away on Tuesday night while participating in light training for the Aberglasslyn Ants.
This is the second player death at the club in the last eight months; the first one occurred in June as a result of an injury sustained during a game.
The club posted on Facebook Wednesday afternoon, saying, “With the deepest of hearts, we find ourselves in an unimaginable situation once again.”
“While doing some very light drills at our home field, McKeachies, on Tuesday evening, February 13th, heaven found themselves another angel.
It is heartbreaking to be grieving the loss of another brother while once again viewing the sunset over McKeachies in just eight months.
“Our players, friends and family are understandably in huge amounts of distress and trying to put the pieces together of what can only be described as a living nightmare.”
“A loving father, partner, son, and mate” is how family friend Tiah Selkrig characterised Tisdell in a crowdfunding effort.
“His sudden passing has left behind a beautiful young family,” Selkrig wrote in a letter.
“He was a loving father of four beautiful kids… he was also the income earner in the household which is going to make things tough for his young family.”
By today at 5 p.m., the fundraiser had raised over $10,000 for Tisdell’s family. The team thanked supporters on Facebook for their efforts.
Aberglasslyn wrote, “How amazing is our beautiful rugby league community.”
“We sincerely appreciate all of your wonderful comments of support and encouragement.
“The days are shorter with your love.”
