'He's an angel watching over us': Wife of rugby league player, who died during match, pens heartfelt tribute
A rugby league player has died in hospital shortly after a horror tackle left him unconscious during a game in northern NSW.
Grant Cook was playing for the Mullumbimby Giants in the A-grade preliminary final against Murwillumbah Mustangs in Casino when he was critically injured just before half-time on Sunday.
Grant Cook pictured with his wife Colleen and children. Photo: Facebook
Officials attempted to resuscitate the 28-year-old father before paramedics arrived.
Mr Cook was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition, but he tragically died from his injuries later that night.
His wife, Colleen Cook, has paid tribute to her husband on Facebook, describing him as a loving family man who died "doing something he loved so passionately".
"Walking away down that hospital corridor was one of the hardest things I have ever done," she wrote.
"And I'm surprised I made it out with how heavy my legs and heart and body felt.
"We loved him so much, and he loved us.
"I guess this part is what hurts me the most. Him not growing old with me and watching our children hit each milestone."
Ms Cook went on to thank those who have supported her family through their tragic time.
"Thank you. I am unsure how we all will get by. But day by day it will happen. And I guess I wanted to those words out there as I do feel immensely proud of Grant," she said.
"My beautiful husband Grant is now an angel watching over us. Life can be so cruel.
"He has left a huge hole in my heart and I know all family, especially his parents, are hurting trying to understand this tragedy."
The devastated wife went also thanked her husband for helping her through her darkest days and said she would love him "forever and a day".
Mullumbimby Giants also penned a heartfelt tribute to the Coolangatta father.
"Grant has been a member of the Giants family since he was a Jnr Giant, playing, coaching and being a committee member," his club posted to Facebook
"It is with a very heavy heart that we wake up with today hearing the news of the passing of Grant Cook," the club wrote on Facebook.
"Grant has been a member of the Giants family since he was a Jnr Giant, playing, coaching and being a committee member.
"No words can describe the sadness we are feeling. Out heart felt condolences go to all of Grants family."
Police told Yahoo7 that they attended a sporting field on Nullum Street, Murwillumbah at about 3:15pm.
"The man collapsed shortly after being tackled during the match," the police statement read.
"Police from Tweed/Byron Local Area Command will prepare a report for the Coroner outlining all the circumstances leading up to the man’s death.
