Former Australian Winter Olympian Duncan Pugh dies aged 48
The family of former Australian Winter Olympic bobsledder Duncan Pugh is mourning his sudden passing at the age of 48, after suffering a brain aneurysm last week.
Pugh represented Australia at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and leaves behind his wife and two sons aged six and seven.
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He suffered a bleed on the brain in his hometown of Perth and could not be saved.
His wife McKenzie expressed her shock and sadness in an obituary published by The West Australian.
Duncan Pugh. Getty
"We are heartbroken and simply lost for words. Taken far too soon," she wrote.
"You were the rock of our family and wore your heart on your sleeve. You were so very proud of our two boys, the best dad anyone could have hoped for. Your passion and determination will forever live on in our boys.
"You made me feel the centre of your world. We hope you're hanging out up there with Dougie. Love you always, your loving wife Kenz, boys Charlie and George and furbaby Lola."
Bobsleigh and Skeleton Australia also paid tribute to the former Olympian, saying he was "gone far too young".
Jeremy Rolleston and Duncan Pugh of Australia at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Getty
"Our small bobsleigh family has taken a big hit this week with the passing of Pughie – Duncan Pugh Vancouver 2010 Olympian, was and will always be remembered as a legend," it posted on Facebook.
"A fantastic father to his boys, a beloved husband, son, brother and uncle to his family.
"An Olympian with a continued passion for sport. He was adored and highly respected as a teacher and loved by all his friends. Anyone that had a one-on-one conversation with Dunc will know exactly how easy it was to feel comfortable in his presence and grateful for his friendship."
Pugh, was introduced to bobsleigh by a friend and debuted on the international circuit in 2007 at the age of 32 after starting out as a hurdler.
He won bronze at the 2009 America's Cup in Canada with Chris Spring.
After qualifying for the 2010 Vancouver Games, Pugh and pilot Jeremy Rolleston were knocked out in the first round when their sled flipped over and slid down the course upside-down.
The injuries they suffered saw the pair eliminated with no further runs and then withdraw from the four-man event as well.
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