Former All Black Jerry Collins and his wife have been killed in a car crash in France.
Agence France-Presse reports that local officials said they were killed on Friday when a bus crashed into their car in southern France, local officials said.
Samoa-born and Wellington-raised Collins, 34, who was capped 48 times for New Zealand, was near the town of Beziers when his car came to an unexplained stop, before being hit by the bus.
The couple were also travelling with their two-month-old daughter, who survived the accident but is in a serious condition, the officials said.
The loose forward returned to rugby earlier this year after signing with French second division club Narbonne, replacing injured Australian Rocky Elsom.
He had retired from the game two years earlier when finishing up with Japanese club Yamaha.
SANZAR Chief Executive, Greg Peters, made the following statement in the wake of the tragic news that Jerry Collins and his partner, Alana Madill, have passed away in France.
“Jerry Collins is an undisputed legend of the game for Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. He inspired all of those around him with his passion and love for the game throughout a highly decorated career for club and country.
“A complex character who was sometimes misunderstood, Jerry was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
“Thoughts and prayers go out to both he and Alana’s family and especially to their young daughter who is bravely fighting for life.
“Rest in peace JC, as the rugby world mourns and remembers one of its greats.”
RobC
Roar Guru
This is very sad news. Thoughts and prayers for their family and especially their 2 month old battler
Old Bugger
Guest
Absolutely tragic news.....just heard and haven't even had time to watch tonight's match. Don't really feel like watching it now except to say, congrats Canes.....RIP JC and Alana and my heartfelt wishes for a full recovery for your daughter.
Pinetree
Guest
Very sad news. Jerry played the game of rugby with a big heart, and one if my favourite blind side flankers to put on the black Jersey as well as the Canes. We will all miss him, and remember his contribution to rugby fondly. My heart goes out to all of Jerry's family and friends. RIP.
Connor33
Guest
Just tragic....
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Terrible news, thoughts and prayers are with the daughter to pull through, to the Collins family and Jerry's wife Family, what a tragic loss. Jerry was a Fantatsic player hugely admired on this side of the creek. By all accounts he was a top fella.
WQ
Guest
Sad day for Wellington and New Zealand Rugby and especially for the families involved in this terrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go to their families and their little girl, Kia Kaha
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Hard to come to terms with! ~ Kia Kaha to the Collins Whanau, ~ an unbelievable blind side loosie, who let those who happened to get tacklrd by him, sure as hell know they had been tackled, brilliant All Black and Hurricane ~ RIP
MatthewSkellett
Guest
Condolences to the Collins Family and the NZ and Samoan Rugby community , a sad day for us all :-(
Ozzie Bob
Guest
Very sad news. I hope the All Blacks win the world cup for JC from an Aussie!
Adsa
Guest
Just heard the news, terrible stuff, Vale Jerry Collins a good tough rugby player.
ben
Guest
Cant believe it! Feels like a member of my own family has passed away. Why? Why? Why?
soapit
Guest
sincere condolences to everyone in and around nz rugby. surprised he was only 34.
MH01
Guest
Devastated ! RIP . Prayers go out for the daughter to pull through !!
Harry Jones
Expert
Utterly tragic news. What a player. Everything a rugby player should bring on the field; he had it in buckets. I'm struck by the story of his daughter. This is a terrible blow
Nick Turnbull
Roar Guru
Sad, sad news. Really hope Australian Rugby from subbies to super rugby tapes up our collective arm this weekend to respect to the late Jerry Collins. RIP.
wardad
Guest
Kia Kaha Jerry Colins ,Alana Madill and bay Ayla!
Rebel
Guest
Thanks
ohtani's jacket
Guest
I'm too gutted to even watch the rugby. He was one of my absolute favourite All Blacks. A modern day cult figure. For a young family to be wiped out like that is unreal. I am also pulling for his daughter.
MJB
Guest
Good stuff Tristan.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Gents, agreed. Removed. Poor from AAP. Have replaced it with SANZAR's comments that are just to hand. RIP.