Tributes flow for young footy star after quad bike death

Tributes have poured in for a beloved country footballer following his death in a quad bike accident at a regional NSW sporting ground.

Jed Griffin, 25, died at the Osborne Recreation Reserve, about 70km west of Wagga Wagga, on Sunday afternoon.

The popular Osborne Tigers player was killed when he struck a goalpost while being towed by a quad bike, according to police.

Bystanders tried to help Griffin before emergency crews arrived, but he died at the scene.

Football and netball clubs across the Riverina and the NSW-Victoria border have rallied to support his family and the tight-knit regional sporting community devastated by the loss.

In a statement, Osborne Football Netball Club said: “The tragic passing of our great mate, clubman and exceptional footballer Jed Griffin has left all at Osborne numb and dealing with unimaginable grief.”

“Jed is the kind of a person you want to be around. In terms of footy his toughness and courage is what first comes to mind. Off the field he made you feel good to just be around him,” club president Jason Webster said.

The Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club, where Griffin had played junior and senior football, said he was a “spirited young man who was loved by so many and who leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of those who knew him”.

“Our thoughts, love and support are with Jed’s family, friends and all those who are grieving this heartbreaking loss,” the club said.

The Rand Walbundrie Walla Giants also paid tribute to Griffin and his family’s long connection to country football, including his father Terry, a former Rand player, and grandmother Alice Dec, a Rand FNC life member.

“May we all take a moment to reflect on what we have and find the strength to help each other through the coming days,” the club said.

Henty Football Netball Club sent its condolences to Griffin’s parents Terry and Nicole, sister Darby, partner Sophie and their extended families, while also throwing its support behind Osborne.

“Two teams, one league, one united community of people – we are here for you all,” the club said.

Those close to Griffin have remembered a man who loved fishing, farming and sitting around a campfire with his mates, as well as a footballer who gave everything to his club.

He was a dual senior premiership player with Osborne.

A 20-year-old man who police allege was driving the quad bike was arrested following the incident and charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.