Nearly 800 donations totalling £22,441 have poured into support the family of a young rugby player who died suddenly on Saturday during a match at Wisbech. 28-year-old Arturas Rudys, who was the father of a two-year-old child, died during a home game against Diss.
His partner, Jolita, posted that Arturas “just passed away”; she later launched a GoFundMe page to support her and their child.
One spectator said his son was playing in the game and his wife was watching.
“They cleared the pitch, and she came home, and I’ve never seen her so shaken. That was before we knew the final outcome. Awful, just awful,” he posted to Facebook.
“The tragedy at the rugby match here in Wisbech puts many other things in perspective. I can’t begin to know what the lad’s family, friends and team-mates must be going through.”
He added: “One of the Wisbech players had a heavy collision contesting a ball. No foul play, but the impact sent him into cardiac arrest. Despite efforts to revive him, he died on the field.”
Jolita wrote on the GoFundMe appeal: “Hello all! My name is Jolita. I’m a girlfriend of Arturas Rudys (25.12.1995).,” she says.
“We have been together 4 years, also we have a little child – Emilijus. He is only 2years old.
“My partner just passed away on the rugby competition in Wisbech. (14.10.2023). It’s been very quickly and like in a dream”
She described how Arturas hurt his chest or neck “after this he didn’t get up.
“It’s very very hard time for us right now. I can’t give up; I have to live and show the right path to our child. I have never asked for money yet, but I want to reach out to you and ask for help
“Thank you all”.
To contribute go here: