Osborne footballer Jed Griffin dies in quad bike towing tragedy
Osborne footballer Jed Griffin, 25, has died after hitting a goalpost while being towed by a quad bike at his club's home ground south-west of Wagga Wagga.
The incident happened on Sunday afternoon at the Osborne ground. Griffin died at the scene, Herald Sun.
Police allege Griffin was being towed behind the quad bike when he struck the post. The site is the Osborne Football Club's home ground, set within a recreation reserve in southern New South Wales, ABC News.
A 20-year-old man has been charged over the incident with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner and negligent driving occasioning death, ABC News. He was scheduled to face Wagga Wagga Local Court. The charges are allegations at this stage. They will be tested through the court process.
The death came a day after Griffin played for Osborne's senior side in the Hume Football Netball League grand final against Henty. A grand final is the league's championship decider, the last game of the season. Osborne lost that game on Saturday by six points.
Griffin was a familiar face at Osborne, a club nicknamed the Tigers. The Daily Advertiser described him as a premiership star, meaning he had played in a side that won a league title. He had played under coach Myles Aalbers for three years.
Henty Football Netball Club, Osborne's grand final opponent, publicly sent condolences to Griffin's family. The club described his death as a tragic and heartbreaking loss.
For fans outside country footy, the timing is difficult to comprehend. On Saturday, Griffin was in the senior team for the biggest match of the year. On Sunday, the two clubs that had contested the premiership were joined in grief.
Country football grounds hold a particular place. They are sporting venues and town meeting places in one. Osborne's home ground south-west of Wagga Wagga serves that dual role for its community.
Police have not released further detail beyond the circumstances of the collision and the charges laid. The court matter in Wagga Wagga is the next formal step.
