A country footballer has been charged over the death of his teammate, who was killed during end-of-season celebrations near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales.
Jed Griffin, 25, died at Osborne Recreation Reserve, about 70km south-west of Wagga Wagga, after crashing into a goalpost while being towed by a quad bike at about 2.30pm on Sunday.
Bystanders and paramedics attempted to save him, but Griffin died at the scene. The team had been celebrating after losing its grand final the previous day.
Teammate John Ryan, 20, has been accused of driving the quad bike. He has been charged with negligent and dangerous driving causing death.
Ryan appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday with his parents and was granted conditional bail.
Football clubs across southern New South Wales have mourned Griffin, describing him as a “spirited young man who was loved by so many”.
The Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club and CDHBU Power Football Club paid tribute to Griffin, as well as the family and friends facing “a heartbreak no-one should ever have to endure”.
