Rugby Player’s Family Break Silence As Police Investigate Death After Alleged Attack

Rugby Player’s Family Break Silence As Police Investigate Death After Alleged Attack

  • Scot James, a 34-year-old rugby player from Maesteg, died on 26 July after being airlifted from Turkey to Wales
  • His family released a heartbreaking tribute through police, describing him as the centre of their world
  • The UK's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is supporting the family and liaising with Turkish authorities

The family of British rugby player Scot James has released a public tribute following his death on Sunday, 27 July, days after he was flown back to the United Kingdom following an alleged attack during a family holiday in Turkey.

Welsh rugby player, Scot James, police.
Welsh rugby player Scot James' heartbroken family release statement as police probe death of the 34-year-old. Photo: Steve Haag
Source: Getty Images

James, 34, from Maesteg, was transported back to Wales by air ambulance on Friday, 25 July, and passed away at The Royal Glamorgan Hospital. South Wales Police are understood to be investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

The South African rugby community recently lost former player Russell Nelson, who died a few days before celebrating his birthday, and also a young player who died during training.

Read also

Heartbreak at Hoërskool Rustenburg as Grade 8 learner's sudden death leaves community reeling

Family's heartbreaking tribute to Scot James

James' family confirmed that police are investigating his death, describing him as the heart of their family and someone who was cherished by everyone who knew him.

PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.

In a heartfelt statement, they remembered James as a devoted son, grandson, brother, partner, father, uncle and friend whose compassion, loyalty and generosity left a lasting mark on countless people. They said his warm personality, infectious sense of humour and unique ability to unite those around him made him unforgettable.

The family also spoke about the immense pain they are enduring following his passing, saying they are devastated by the loss and struggling to come to terms with the void he has left behind. They vowed to cherish the memories they shared with him and keep him forever in their hearts.

Despite the tragedy of his life ending so prematurely, the family said James' legacy would live on through the love he shared and the profound impact he had on the lives of those closest to him.

Read also

SA woman shares emotional goodbye as she leaves children behind for new life in US

FCDO confirms support for James' family

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family.

"We are supporting the family of a British national who died following an incident in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities," an FCDO spokesperson said.

The family concluded their statement by requesting privacy during the mourning period:

"We respectfully ask that our family's privacy is honoured as we grieve together and begin to come to terms with this devastating loss." They also thanked those who offered support and the medical staff who cared for James throughout the ordeal.

Rugby legend dies after cardiac arrest

Briefly News also reported that a rugby legend passed away at the age of 68, a few days after suffering cardiac arrest.

The rugby icon was unable to recover despite medical efforts to revive him after the cardiac arrest incident.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@briefly.co.za.