October 15th 2023.
Yesterday a tragic incident took place at Wisbech Rugby Club during a match between Wisbech and Diss. Arturas Rudys, a 28-year-old dad, passed away while playing for Wisbech Rugby Club. His partner, Jolita Kiseliovaite, has set up a GoFundMe page to support her and their two-year-old son, Emilijus.
Emergency services were quickly on the scene after Arturas had suffered a cardiac arrest during the game. Responders carried out CPR and used a defibrillator but unfortunately he could not be resuscitated. An EEAST spokesperson said ‘Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this tragic time.’
The incident has triggered an outpouring of grief and support from rugby clubs across the east of England. Roger Pierson, from the Eastern Counties Rugby Union, said two of the Diss players who were medically qualified immediately went to the aid of the injured man but that he died on the pitch. Mr Pierson described the tackle as a ‘rugby incident’ and said everything is being done to support all the players involved.
Flowers have been left at Wisbech Rugby Club today as a tribute to Arturas. 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 match between Wisbech and Diss in the Counties 1 – Eastern Counties league was abandoned. The Rugby Football Union is expected to release a further statement soon. Meanwhile, Jolita's GoFundMe page has already raised over £4,300 in just a few hours.
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