Tributes are flowing for Queensland footballer and father of two James Ackerman who tragically died after being critically injured in a tackle at the weekend.
The 25-year-old was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital on Saturday after suffering a head injury in a Queensland Cup match between his team, the Sunshine Coast Falcons and the North Devils at Bishop Park, Nundah, north of Brisbane.
The news of Ackerman’s death came just after midday on Monday after the forward had spent the past two days in hospital fighting for his life.
His family released a statement thanking the community for their support.
“All his former teammates and his former clubs for coming and seeing James … your support has been overwhelming during this difficult time,” they said in the statement.
“James loved the game of rugby league, he always played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you.”
The Falcon’s club president Ashley Robinson said Mr Ackerman he was a cherished member of the league community.
“A lot of guys from all over Australia flew in yesterday and today to give him support and give his family support, so that tells you what sort of guy he is,” he said.
The player who tackled Ackerman, Francis Molo, is a star forward, currently contracted to the Brisbane Broncos.
Officials say Molo is receiving counselling and support from the club and the QRL.
The news of Mr Ackerman’s death has touched all levels of the Rugby League fraternity with many NRL teams sharing messages of condolence on social media.
The North Queensland Cowboys tweeted: “Vale Queensland Cup player James Ackerman. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.”
The Sydney Roosters wrote: “We send our deepest condolences to the friends and family of James Ackerman, who sadly passed away today.”
And former Sharks player and NRL Footy Show host Beau Ryan Tweeted: “Rest in peace James Ackerman. Gone too soon, playing the game you love. Thoughts are with your loved ones…”
And NRL chief executive Dave Smith also expressed his sympathy via Twitter today, writing: “Very sad to hear the passing of James Ackerman. All of us at NRL send our deepest condolences to
James’ family, friends & Sunshine Coast club.”
Mr Ackerman is survived by his wife Saraa and children Ollie and Milly, as well as his parents Michael and Sonya, brothers Andrew and Thomas.
In the hours following the incident, family and friends set up a Facebook page called Support for Ackers #8 where they began sharing some touching pictures of the young family man with his kids and playing the game he loved.
Tributes are flowing for Queensland footballer and family man James Ackerman who died in hospital after being critically injured in a tackle at the weekend. PHOTO via Support for Ackers #8 Facebook page.
PHOTO via Support for Ackers #8 Facebook page.
PHOTO via Support for Ackers #8 Facebook page.
PHOTO via Support for Ackers #8 Facebook page.
PHOTO via Support for Ackers #8 Facebook page.
PHOTO via Support for Ackers #8 Facebook page.
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