The local community is mourning the loss of 15 year old Lui Polimeni.
Lui suffered a head injury playing Rugby League for the Gundagai Tigers on Sunday against Tumut. He was airlifted to Canberra Hospital where his family have held a bedside vigil since.
Lui was placed in an induced coma whilst tests were conducted to ascertain the severity of his injuries.
His family made the heart-breaking decision to turn off his life support system on Wednesday.
Lui will be remembered as a talented sportsman who excelled at Soccer, Touch Football and Rugby League amongst other sports. He was a standout player for his local side the Jugiong Jackasses in the Harden Touch Football Association alongside his brother Joey and father Gino
Students at Murrumburrah High School will be offered counselling to deal with the loss of Lui over the coming days.
A huge out pouring of emotion has occurred on social media including Facebook where the following messages were left by friends:
Graham Murray said – It is with great sorrow to hear the news of a champion young man, taken way too early in life. I had the honour of coaching Lui a few years ago and not only was he good at sports…but he was a true sportsman, always respectful and always fair. My heart goes out to Jenny Polimeni, Gino, Joey and the rest of the family…so sorry for your loss R.I.P Lui ❤️❤️
Bella Tobin said – Gone but never forgotten in my heart! You were Such a happy boy always making people smile or making their days! Don’t know what we are going to without you around. You meant so much to so many people in this community! I’m going to miss seeing your cute little smile around and you trying to teach me to kick a football and one thing we are all going to miss is your mullet! 😪 such a trooper you are!
I love you Lui, you will always be in my heart ❤️❤️ All my thoughts go out to the beautiful parents that raised this kid, you did a tremendous job!
Rest in peace beautiful boy ❤️❤️❤️❤️👼🏽👼🏽
Harden Hawks said – The Harden Hawks family would like to send our deepest sympathy to Jenny, Gino and Joey Polimeni, the Gundagai Tigers RLFC, Harden Hawks Juniors, Lui’s family and friends for the loss of young Lui. Our thoughts are with you all at this awful time. This Saturday the whole of the Harden Hawks will dedicate their games to Lui.
Fly high and may you rest in peace, Lui Polimeni ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Georgie Campbell said – To all my friends whose hearts are breaking today…
Remember to find your hearts passion and live like there’s no tomorrow. Give 100% to the game of life and make sure to do it with no regrets… And never forget to hug the people who mean the most to you. I’m thinking of each and every one of you and hoping you can find peace in such a tragedy.
The Murrumburrah High School Ladies Soccer side wore tape around their wrists in their match against Albury on Tuesday in support of Lui.
Lui playing for the Jugiong Jackasses in the Harden Touch Football Association Competition.
