Tributes flow for much-loved former footy player who died after suffering catastrophic spinal injuries
The rugby league world is mourning the death of Kurt Drysdale, who was left a quadriplegic at the age of 20.
Drysdale, 31, suffered a catastrophic spinal injury while playing for the Cabramatta Two Blues in the Ron Massey Cup in June of 2015.
He died after fighting pneumonia for the past fortnight.
Drysdale was close with a number of NRL stars, including Alex Johnston, Valentine Holmes and in particular, former Parramatta backrower Shaun Lane.
A promising junior at the Cronulla Sharks, Drysdale played Matthews Cup and SG Ball teams before joining the club’s NYC (under-20s) squad for the 2014 season.
Former NRL star turned podcast sensation Denan Kemp paid his respects on social media, with footy journeymen Fa’amanu Brown and Brad Takairangi also passing on their condolences.
The rugby league world is mourning the death of Kurt Drysdale, who was left a quadriplegic at the age of 20 in 2015
Drysdale, 31, suffered a catastrophic spinal injury while playing for the Cabramatta Two Blues in the Ron Massey Cup (pictured, with ex-NRL star and close friend Shaun Lane)
Drysdale died after fighting a serious bout of pneumonia for the past fortnight (he is pictured next to UFC star Robert Whittaker)
‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of our much loved and cherished Cure Crusader Ambassador, Kurt Drysdale, a Facebook post from the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation read.
‘His cheeky grin and kind, caring personality brought so much joy to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed by all of us at the Foundation.
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kurt’s parents, Sonya and Steve, his family, and everyone who loved him during this incredibly difficult time.
‘May he rest in peace.’
In 2022 ahead of the NRL Grand Final, then Eels star Lane vowed to win a premiership ring for his childhood friend.
‘The next time I visit him, I’m going with a premiership ring, how good would that be, Lane said ahead of the clash with the Panthers at Accor Stadium.
‘Kurt can have selfies with the ring, that’s the plan. ‘When I look back at how much Kurt loved football, (and) how much he would kill to be in the position that I am…he’s been a constant motivator for me.
‘It was absolutely heartbreaking to see what happened to him.’
In 2016, Channel Nine’s A Current Affair began a fundraiser with Rotary International to assist the Drysdale family with the huge financial costs they faced following the life-changing news.
Just 24 hours after appealing for the public’s help, more than $515,000 was raised for the footy star.
A number of astute footy judges believe Drysdale was good enough to play in the NRL as a hooker.
