Devastation surrounding the shock passing of a Kiwi rugby player has been compounded by a series of Instagram posts before his death.
The sudden death of Maori All Blacks flyer Sean Wainui sent shockwaves through the rugby community after he died in a car crash in New Zealand on Monday morning.
Bay of Plenty police issued a statement earlier today, and said one person had passed away after a single-vehicle crash at McLaren Falls Park.
As the rugby community mourns the loss of the 25-year-old, many people’s thoughts quickly turned to Wainui’s wife Paige, two-year-old son Kawariki Te Raoiona and stepdaughter Arahia.
It was only a month ago that the couple celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary, and Wainui’s final Instagram post displayed the bond shared with his wife.
The two were enjoying a night out at a karaoke bar, as Paige was having fun with the microphone before she slips and falls on her face.
Wainui captured the hilarious scenes, and captioned the post: “When wifey gets too confident at the karaoke.”
Paige’s Instagram is also full of recent snaps of the happy couple, including an anniversary post featuring a picture from their wedding day.
Wainui’s wife also posted a two-minute montage in celebration of Father’s Day on September 5, with the description: “Happy Father’s Day to the best daddy we love you sm x.”
Tributes for Wainui flowed from the rugby community after his death was announced.
The official All Blacks Twitter account wrote: “We are heartbroken right now. Sean, you were an inspiration and will never be forgotten. We extend all of our strength and aroha to your friends and whanau.”
A statement from New Zealand Rugby said: “One of Rugby New Zealand’s tallest totara trees has fallen in the world of rugby. To you Sean, our Rangatira, we farewell you to the outspread arms of the multitudes who await you beyond this earthly realm. You leave us here bereft and drowning in a sorrow as we weep for you. Rest well in peaceful repose.”
Former All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams tweeted: “My thoughts are with Sean Wainuis’ family. Especially his wife & young child. Although I didn’t play alongside him, I could always feel his mana coming up against him as opposition.”
Wainui made 53 appearances for Taranaki in New Zealand, and also played 44 games for the Chiefs and nine for the Crusaders in Super Rugby.
He represented the New Zealand Maori side on ten occasions after his debut in 2015.
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