Mourning for Kelly Meafua: The Samoan rugby professional was found dead after jumping from a bridge into the Tarn River in southern France.
This was announced by his club, the French second division club US Montauban, on Saturday. The 31-year-old, who played for the island nation’s 7s team, had been injured during a celebration the day before.
“Everyone at USM is absolutely shocked, Kelly was so popular. We not only lost a player but also a friend and brother,” said Montauban. Meafua had celebrated with the team after the last home game of the season before jumping into the tarn from 22 meters.
Teammate Christopher Vaotoa jumped into the water to save Meafua – but without success. Suffering from hypothermia, Vaotoa was rushed to a hospital by firefighters. Meafua’s body was found on Saturday morning.