Munster rugby coach Greig Oliver, 58, tragically dies in horror South Africa paragliding crash as IRFU lead tributes
MUNSTER rugby coach Greig Oliver has tragically died following a paragliding accident in South Africa.
The horror incident took place in Cape Town on today as the IRFU lead tributes to the rugby star.
Oliver, 58, was a passenger during a tandem flight on the Cape Town coast in South Africa.
It is understood two tandem paragliders smashed into each other at scenic Sea Point Promenade.
The pilot of one deployed a reserve parachute and plunged safely into the surf.
However, tragically it’s believed the Irish rugby ace landed on rocks around 200 metres away.
South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute said rescue swimmers and paramedics raced to the scene after being alerted at 4.28pm local time yesterday.
Oliver was given CPR but was tragically declared dead shortly after.
The pilot and passenger on the other paraglider both landed safely.
The NSRI said the Oliver’s pilot “was treated for minor injuries.”
It added: “The tandem passenger, a 58 year old man, was on rocks in the water off-shore of the Sea Point Promenade.“Despite extensive CPR efforts he was sadly declared deceased by paramedics.”
The IRFU paid tributes following the “unspeakable tragedy”.
Chief Executive Kevin Potts said: “On behalf of the Irish rugby community, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Oliver family at this extremely sad time.
“Greig was a hugely popular member of staff and played a key role in the development of many young players during his time at Munster Rugby.
‘STATE OF SHOCK’
“Today’s news is an unspeakable tragedy and our thoughts are with Greig’s wife Fiona, children Jack and Ciara, and his many friends, family and colleagues. May he rest in peace.”
Munster Rugby CEO, Ian Flanagan, added: “On behalf of Munster Rugby, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to Greig’s wife Fiona, son Jack, daughter Ciara, and the wider Oliver family.
“We are all in a state of shock following Greig’s tragic passing. He was a great colleague and friend to so many and will be dearly missed across the Munster and Irish Rugby community.
“Greig made his presence felt each day, he was always there to provide a helping hand and was a hugely popular character with his light-hearted nature and sense of humour.
“He had an infectious enthusiasm for the game and was incredibly passionate about helping young players be the best they can be on and off the field. May he rest in peace.”
‘INCREDIBLY PASSIONATE’
Traditional rivals Leinster also offered their support, tweeting: “Thinking of all in Munster Rugby at this tough time who have lost a dear colleague in Greig and of course Jack and the Oliver family.
“A tough few days for the wider Irish rugby family.”
World Rugby said it “is deeply saddened” by Oliver’s death and announced that there will be a minute’s silence held in honour of Oliver before the next round of U20 Rugby World Cup games on Tuesday, including Ireland’s clash against Fiji.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “On behalf of World Rugby and the global rugby family, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Oliver family, the Ireland U20 squad and the Irish rugby community at this difficult time.
‘MOMENT’S SILENCE’
“All the players at the World Rugby U20 Championship stand in solidarity with Jack, his team-mates and the Oliver family and a moment’s silence will be observed across all of Tuesday’s matches as a mark of respect.
“We have also offered our full support to the Ireland team in South Africa.”
Oliver was in South Africa with his wife, where he was supporting his Ireland U20 scrum-half son Jack at the World Cup.
The coach was a former Scotland international who played at two World Cups in his career.
He held a number of coaching roles with Garryowen, Munster ‘A’ and more recently as Munster Elite Performance Officer, a role he held since 2011.
He also served as assistant coach of the Ireland U20 side between 2011-14.
INQUEST INTO DEATH
It’s understood that Oliver’s body is in the care of the Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
An inquest has been planned to establish the precise cause of death.
Paragliding, where modified parachutes are steered and able to glide at thousands of feet for long distances, is a hugely-popular sport in the area.
Passengers are strapped in with experienced instructors on the edge of one of Africa’s most outstanding coastlines, offering views of Table Mountain.
A spokesman at the Department of Foreign Affairs said this evening: “The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
“As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”