Girlfriend’s heartbreaking tribute to Arturas Rudy, 27, after rugby player collapsed and died on pitch
THE heartbroken girlfriend of a 27-year-old rugby player who collapsed and died on the pitch has paid moving tribute to him.
Arturas Rudy had been playing a match with Wisbech RUFC on Saturday when tragedy struck following “chest to chest contact”.
His partner, Jolita Kiseliovaite, posted that he “just passed away” while playing against Diss.
Arturas suffered a cardiac arrest following a tackle but could not be resuscitated by paramedics.
In a heartbreaking post on a GoFundMe page girlfriend Jolita revealed they have a two-year-old child together.
She said: “Hello all! My name is Jolita. I’m a girlfriend of Arturas Rudys (25.12.1995).
“We have been together four years, also we have a little child. He is only two years old.
“My partner just passed away on the rugby competition in Wisbech.
“It’s been very quickly and like in a dream. Person from another team while running, hurt Arturas chest or neck, after this he didn’t get up.
“It’s very very hard time for us right now.. I can’t give up, I have to live and show the right path to our child.
“I have never asked for money yet, but I want to reach out to you and ask for help. Thank you all.”
Emergency services were called to Wisbech Rugby Club’s Chapel Road ground in Cambridgeshire Saturday afternoon, East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) said.
Responders carried out CPR and used a defibrillator but he could not be resuscitated.
The rugby match between Wisbech and Diss in the Counties 1 – Eastern Counties league was immediately abandoned.
Staff and fellow players also paid tribute to Arturas after the shock death.
A shirt pinned to a tree at the club bears the tribute: “Arturas our team mate, our brother, our 14 forever.”
Flowers were also left at Wisbech Rugby Club yesterday.
The rugby club has now cancelled all sessions as a mark of respect.
David Dobson, the Wisbech club secretary, said “The club is deeply saddened by the events of yesterday.
“We are grateful for the support of the local community and the wider rugby community and also for the expertise of the emergency services who came to help.”
The incident has triggered an outpouring of grief and support from rugby clubs across the east of England.
An EEAST spokesperson said “Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this tragic time.”
Two ambulances, police, the air ambulance and the fire service were called to the scene.