Sean Wainui

The tragic death of Maori All Blacks star Sean Wainui in a car accident last week being treated as a “suspected suicide”. Photo / Photosport

RIP | Chiefs and Maori All Black Sean Wainui killed in car crash

Chiefs and Maori All Blacks back Sean Wainui has unfortunately passed away due to a car crash at the age of 25.

Sean Wainui

The tragic death of Maori All Blacks star Sean Wainui in a car accident last week being treated as a “suspected suicide”. Photo / Photosport

Chiefs and Maori All Blacks back Sean Wainui has tragically been killed in a car crash at the age of 25. 

It is reported that Wainui lost his life in Omanawa on Monday morning. 

Wainui’s death confirmed on Monday morning

A statement was issued out this morning by the Bay of Plenty police, confirming that one person had passed away after a single vehicle had crashed at McLaren Falls Park. A family member of Wainui confirmed that the vehicle had crashed into a tree at around 7:50 New Zealand time, with the Chiefs star being the only person in the vehicle. 

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Reports from New Zealand also indicated that Wainui was pronounced dead at the scene, with the Serious Crash Unit quickly deployed to the survey the scene. Enquiries of what the potential reasons for the accident were, have been launched and are ongoing.

According to a statement from nearby Tauranga City Council, the park which Wainui crashed at will be closed for the day due to the crash as well as to allow for the necessary work to be carried out by the emergency services. Additionally,  A St John spokeswoman said two ambulances were called to the scene.

New Zealand rugby confirmation and statement

New Zealand Rugby also confirmed the death of Wainui as well as sending a heartfelt message to his family and friends, lamenting that he was an “inspiration” and would never be forgotten. 

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“We are heartbroken right now. Sean (Wainui), you were an inspiration and will never be forgotten. We extend all of our strength and aroha to your friends and whānau. Kia au tō moe,” read the post on New Zealand’s official Twitter account. 

A record breaker

Just in June this year, Wainui ensured that his name would live on in New Zealand rugby history forever, when he scored a record five Super Rugby Transtasman tries in one game against the Waratahs. He had just switched to Bay of Plenty this year having played all of 53 times for Taranaki, 44 times for the Chiefs, nine times for the Crusaders and representing the Maori All Blacks regularly since 2015.

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From The South African website we send our heartfelt condolences to the Wainui family as well as the New Zealand rugby fraternity during this tough time. May his soul rest in peace.