Rugby player dies from brain damage

ABC news

June22,2015

 

A rugby league player seriously injured in a tackle during a Queensland Cup match on Saturday has died in hospital.

Queensland Rugby League (QLR) announced the passing of James Ackerman this afternoon.

The 25-year-old father of two young children was playing as a forward for the Sunshine Coast Falcons when he was injured in a tackle just five minutes into the game against the Norths Devils at Bishop Park in Nundah, in Brisbane's north.

A duty doctor and first aid staff treated him on the field for more than half an hour.

Realising it was serious, match officials called off the game and Mr Ackerman was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

The Ackerman family released a short statement through the QRL.

They thanked all those who treated Mr Ackerman after his injury and those who later visited him in hospital.

"Firstly we would like to thank all the medical staff from Norths Devils/Sunshine Coast Falcons and the ambulance staff who attended to James on game day at Bishop Park," they said.

"We want to thank the tireless medical staff from Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, who kept us informed during the night. We are very grateful to the doctors and nurses from the hospital.

"All his former teammates and his former clubs for coming and seeing James. Your support has been overwhelming during this difficult time.

"James loved the game of rugby league, he always played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you."

Tributes have also begun to come in through the Support for Ackers #8 Facebook page, which has attracted more than 7,000 followers since it was set up on Saturday evening.

"Tragic news I just heard my heart has broken into a million pieces for your family my thoughts and prayers are with your family and team mates and friends on this very sad day," one person wrote.

"Taken far too soon. My heart breaks for your family and friends. Thinking of you all and sending so much love," another said.

James Ackerman 'heart and soul' of team

QRL managing director Robert Moore said the league fraternity was in shock and would now focus on continuing the necessary support and counselling for all concerned.

"We send our deepest condolences to James's family and friends, and the Sunshine Coast club," Mr Moore said.

"This is obviously a very difficult and traumatic time for a considerable amount of people – and we ask for the privacy of the family to be respected.

"Our immediate priority is to provide support for the family as well as the players, coaches and referees who were involved in this game."

Mr Moore said the NRL was committed to providing further assistance if required.

"One of the strengths of rugby league is the game's ability to rally behind its own – and I have no doubt this will happen throughout this challenging period," he said.

Mr Ackerman played 54 Intrust Super Cup matches, the majority for the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Sunshine Coast Falcons chief executive officer Chris Flannery said James was a "champion guy" and "one of our leaders".

"He lived for rugby league," Mr Flannery said.

"He was a tough competitor and a fine player who in many ways was the heart and soul of our team.

"James played for a number of seasons at Redcliffe but we were delighted to get him back this year as he was a Sunshine Coast boy who went to Mountain Creek High

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School."