Heartbreaking tributes pour in for footy star who died aged just 25 due to a mystery 'medical event' - leaving behind twin daughters

The rugby union community has come together to pay tribute to Highlanders Super Rugby star and Maori All Blacks player Connor Garden-Bachop, who died on Monday aged 25.

Garden-Bachop, a father of twin girls, reportedly died of a medical event at a relative's home in Christchurch on Monday night.

The young footballer, an outside back, was part of the Highlanders' Super Rugby squad for the 2024 season.

But the Highlanders announced last week several players would not be returning for the team next year, including Garden-Bachop.

Just days ago, Garden-Bachop took to Instagram to thank the Highlanders for an 'unforgettable five years' with the club.

'Thank you @highlandersteam for an unforgettable five years. Thank you to everyone in the south for making me feel at home, and thank you to the boys I have been honoured to share the field with, it's been a pleasure, I will miss you all. Till next time,' he wrote.

The New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and New Zealand Rugby Players Association released a combined statement on Monday.

'On behalf of the entire rugby community, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association would like to extend our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family,' the statement read.

'Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event, and rugby's collective focus at this time is on supporting his family. All of rugby walks alongside the Garden-Bachop family at this time and we are collectively united in our grief.

'Connor was a fantastic young player, an exciting New Zealand age-grade representative and a proud Māori All Black. Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could light up the room.

'Most importantly, he was a loving father to his twin girls, a brother, a son and immeasurably loved by all those who knew him.

'NZR, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the Players Association are providing support and we ask that the privacy of the Garden-Bachop family is respected.'

The statement also included a song for the young player in both Māori and English.

Football fans have also taken to social media to post tributes. 

'Unspeakably, unbelievably tragic. Thoughts and love to his two poor girls, I can't even begin to imagine,' posted one fan on X.

'Heart-breaking news about Connor Garden-Bachop. Only 25. Two kids. Life can be cruel sometimes. May he rest in peace, and may his family find peace,' said another.

'RIP Connor Garden-Bachop. Loved watching that man run in open space. Shattered for his family. My thoughts are with them all. Everyone please get around them,' posted another,' posted a third.

'Very sad to hear about Connor Garden-Bachop. Only 25 years of age. My heart goes out to Stephen and all the Garden-Bachop clan. Especially so after mum Sue's passing not that many years ago. Leaves behind a young family. His mates and team-mates will be devastated as well,' posted another.

Another X user remembered a personal experience they had with the footy star, writing: 'I remember meeting Connor Garden Bachop as a year 12 student at Scots College when I was their Director of Sport. Such a lovely kid, It's so unbelievably sad to read of his passing and my thoughts are with his family and friends,' posted another. 

Garden-Bachop played 35 matches for the Highlanders after debuting in 2021.

He is the son of ex-All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop. Garden-Bachop is also the nephew of ex-All Black Graeme Bachop.

His brother Jackson Garden-Bachop is also a professional rugby player and has played with the Hurricanes.