Professional rugby player Noah Johannssen has died at age 22.
The Australian rugby team, the North Sydney Bears, confirmed the news of Johannssen’s death in a social media statement on Saturday, March 28.
“Noah had been with our NSW Cup team for just five months but quickly made a lasting impression through his vibrant nature, dedication and the respect he showed to everyone around him,” the caption read. “His loss is felt deeply across our playing group, staff, and wider Bears community.”
The statement concluded, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Johannssen family, current and former teammates and friends.”
The team also shared a statement from their CEO, Gareth Holmes.
“Noah was a young man of great character,” Holmes’ statement read. “This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Further details about Johannssen’s death have yet to be confirmed.
The athlete’s brother Tim Johannssen — also a professional rugby player — shared a tribute on his own Instagram page.
“My F***EN BROTHER MY FOEVER [sic] LOVE, I’ll always be attached to you bro and I’ll always be so glad for your existence and what you did for me bro, the man you made me be and everything I have today is because you were there for me,” Tim captioned a series of photos. “So f***en broken but I know I’ll see you again on the other side and you’ll always be with me in spirit, till next time my little buddy.”
Several of Noah’s friends have since spoken out, sharing social media tributes. The posts have been shared via the joint Instagram account that Noah shared with brother Tim. The duo racked up nearly 3,500 followers on the account.
“Athletes and Brothers,” their Instagram bio read. “Cavemen.”
The duo also created content via their joint YouTube account with brother Ben Johannssen.
Following Noah’s death, Ben shared a clip of their vlogs from the past week.
“We have pretty much the whole last week spent together on film for the ‘vlogs’ we were making,” he wrote.
A GoFundMe page has also been created to give Noah “a proper farewell.” Nearly $35,000 has been raised toward the fundraiser’s $40,000 goal.
“Noah was an amazing brother, son, uncle, and friend, an incredible football player, and someone who truly lit up every room he walked into,” the GoFundMe page read. “He was known for his kindness, his energy, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome. He was deeply loved by his family and everyone who knew him, and his presence will be missed more than words can describe.”
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