A young footy player has died after post-season celebrations ended in a horror quad bike crash.
Jed Griffin, 25, died at Osborne Recreation Reserve in Osborne, about 70km west of Wagga Wagga in regional NSW, about 2.30pm on Sunday.
It’s alleged Griffin was being towed behind a quad bike on the oval when he struck a goalpost.
Bystanders performed first aid until paramedics arrived, but Mr Griffin died at the scene.
He was a talented and popular player for the Osborne Tigers and it’s alleged his teammate, a 20-year-old man, was driving the quad.
He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving.
The alleged driver was granted conditional bail and appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.
The matter is due to return to the court for a status briefing in November.
Jed Griffin (left) died in a quad bike crash in Osborne on Sunday afternoon
Mr Griffin was allegedly being towed by a quad bike when he struck a goal post (above)
Flowers were laid by the goalpost at Osborne Recreation Reserve in honour of Mr Griffin and several local clubs have shown support for his loved ones.
Osborne president Jason Webster described Mr Griffin as ‘a genuine, good bloke that everybody around the club loved’.
‘He was the glue of the playing group that made blokes want to stick together,’ he told The Australian.
‘Like most blokes, Jed had his close mates but he also had that personality that he was mates with everyone.
‘He always made time for everybody and would communicate and mix with anybody.’
The Osborne Football Netball Club shared its own statement, writing: ‘The tragic passing of our great mate, clubman and exceptional footballer Jed Griffin has left all at Osborne numb and dealing with unimaginable grief.’
Mr Griffin’s former club, the Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club, remembered him as a ‘spirited young man who was loved by so many’.
‘Our thoughts, love and support are with Jed’s family, friends and all those who are grieving this heartbreaking loss,’ it said.
