Central Coast rugby player Will Thurston remembered by community as 'loyal and hardworking' after dying in Bali

2025-02-18 05:40:00

Abstract: Will Thurston, 27, a Bay Vikings rugby player from Central Coast NSW, tragically died in Bali from septic shock due to a pancreatic abscess. Family is fundraising for repatriation.

A rugby player from the Central Coast of New South Wales tragically passed away while vacationing in Bali over the weekend, prompting heartfelt condolences from friends and family.

The young man, identified as 27-year-old Will Thurston, was reportedly a member of the Bay Vikings team. He sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday due to septic shock while undergoing treatment for a pancreatic abscess at an Indonesian hospital.

Thurston's family is currently working to repatriate his body to Australia for a proper burial. His family launched a GoFundMe fundraising campaign on Friday, February 14th, with the aim of bringing him back to Australia. His relative, Ashley Marie, posted on Facebook that Thurston "took his last breath at 2:04 am in his favorite place."

The Bay Rugby Club posted a tribute on Facebook, describing Thurston as "one of the most loyal, hardest working kids" and stating that "his passion for life, friends and family was second to none. Sending all our love to his family, friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Will." People flooded the comments section of the post, expressing their condolences to Thurston and his family.

Marie posted on Saturday evening that Thurston's condition had deteriorated and he was in critical condition, and he sadly passed away a few hours later. It is currently unclear whether his body has been transported back to Australia.