Rugby community in mourning after death of Phil Waugh’s son
The eldest child of Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh has been remembered as a fun-loving young man and a beloved son after passing away suddenly last week.
Jack Waugh, 21, died last Friday, prompting an outpouring of grief from friends and family, and the Australian rugby community.
Jack was the elder son of former Wallaby Waugh from his first marriage to ex-wife Michelle, with whom he had two sons: Jack and Charlie. Waugh has two other younger children from a second marriage.
Jack’s death was caused by an accidental drug overdose.
The Waugh family expressed their sorrow in a statement, saying: “Words cannot express the profound sadness we feel at the loss of our beloved son, Jack.
“Jack was a fun-loving young man whose warmth and spirit touched all who knew him, and he will remain forever in our hearts.
“As we come to terms with the shock of his passing, we kindly ask that the privacy of his family and friends be respected during this time of grief. We are deeply grateful for the messages of love and support we have received.”
Charlie Waugh also posted a tribute to his brother on social media this week.
“To my big brother. I love you more than words could ever explain,” Charlie wrote.
“You helped me grow into the person I am today, always looked out for me and protected me when I needed it most. I’ll carry everything you taught me for the rest of my life.
“I know you’ll be looking over me from wherever you are, and I know you’ll always be rooting for me. I hope I can make you proud.
“Rest easy Jack, I love you, always and forever.”
Jack’s tough start to life as a premature baby led to Phil Waugh becoming an advocate for the Miracle Babies Foundation, which supports families of premature and sick newborns.
Jack spent 12 weeks in intensive care when he was born.
“[He was born] 1040 grams, and then, as we know, all babies lose weight after birth so he went down to 970 grams at his lowest,” Waugh told 2GB radio in a 2019 interview.
“So quite confronting when you have hopes of a healthy newborn, and they come 13 weeks early. And at that weight, it’s quite terrifying for any parent.
“We were in intensive care for 12 weeks, and obviously you just don’t know what the outcome’s going to be. But also not just the short-term outcome but also the long-term effects.
“And we’ve been particularly lucky with our son Jack, and he’s got no issues today but certainly others aren’t as lucky as what we are.”
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