Charlie Jamison, a teenage rugby player from Northern Ireland, has died suddenly. The U16s player at Ballynahinch RFC in County Down passed away on September 3, leaving the local rugby community heartbroken.
His funeral took place in Ballynahinch on Monday, with his rugby club postponing their youth matches over the weekend as a mark of respect. Tributes continue to pour in from clubs across the county.
Club statement and half-mast flag
In a statement, Ballynahinch RFC said they were "devastated" to learn of Charlie's death, with a flag at the club's home ground flown at half-mast in the wake of the tragedy.
"The President, Council and members of Ballynahinch RFC are devastated to learn of the sudden passing of U16 player Charlie Jamison," the club's statement read. "Sincere condolences to the entire family circle at this extremely difficult time."
"Our youth matches are cancelled tomorrow as a mark of respect and our club welfare officer Karen McDowell is available for any of our youth players who are struggling to come to terms with their loss."
Tributes from clubs across Northern Ireland
As BelfastLive reports, other clubs across Northern Ireland have reached out to Charlie's family and club with messages of support. A statement from Portadown RFC read: "Everyone at Portadown Rugby Football Club is absolutely heartbroken for Charlie Jamison’s family and for everyone at Ballynahinch RFC following the devastating news of his sudden passing."
"Our deepest thoughts and condolences are first and foremost with Charlie’s family and loved ones. No family should ever have to experience a loss like this, and we can only imagine the heartbreak they are facing."
"We are also thinking of Charlie’s team-mates, coaches, friends, members and the entire Ballynahinch RFC community," the statement continued. "A rugby club is more than a team, it is a family, and when one club suffers such a devastating loss, the wider rugby community feels it too."
"Today, club colours and rivalries mean nothing. We stand together as one rugby family, sending all our love, strength and support to Charlie’s family and to everyone at Ballynahinch RFC in the difficult days ahead. We are truly heartbroken for you all. Rest in peace, Charlie. Taken far too soon and never forgotten."
A statement from Carrickfergus RFC read: "Carrickfergus RFC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ballynahinch RFC U16 player, Charlie Jamison."
"On behalf of the Club President, Harry Ritchie, the management Committee, members and players, we extend our deepest sympathies to Charlie’s family and friends, his teammates and coaches, and everyone at Ballynahinch RFC during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie’s family and all at Ballynahinch RFC."
Further condolences and support
Instonians Rugby added: "Instonians Rugby family send our sincere condolences to Charlie's family and all of his extended rugby family at Ballynahinch Rugby Club at this very sad time and we are very much thinking about you all."
Lurgan RFC also reached out, with a brief statement reading: "This morning our thoughts are with everyone at Ballynahinch RFC following the sudden passing of their U16 player Charlie. We send our sincerest condolences to Charlie’s family, friends and team mates at this extremely difficult time."
