GUNNEDAH residents are asked to “put their jerseys out” in support of the Costello family after the shock death of Alex Costello last Saturday.
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The well-known 37-year-old Gunnedah Red Devils rugby reserve coach and former captain died suddenly on Saturday after suffering chest pains.
He leaves behind wife Emma and three daughters who are just seven, five and three.
Shattered members of the rugby community met at the Gunnedah Rugby Club on Sunday morning.
“The boys got together to voice their concerns and cry with each other,” Red Devils reserve team assistant coach Josh Launders said.
“We just wanted to be there for everyone.”
The club, and the Gunnedah Rugby League Football Club, have asked people to hang out a football jersey in honour of Alex.
People are asked to take a photo of their jersey and post it on Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #putyourjerseyout.
Alex’s niece, Libby Wicks, has started a gofundme crowd fund- raising page for the Costello family, which has raised nearly $18,000.
“I started it because people were wanting to help,” Libby said.
The money will go towards the costs faced by Alex’s young family.
Alex was a teacher in Cairns for many years before moving to Gunnedah, and he had a love for the Rabbitohs and fishing.
Emma’s sister Michelle Wicks said Alex was getting ready for the day’s action at Gunnedah Rugby Park on Saturday morning when he began to have chest pains.
Mrs Wicks said he went to the hospital for a check up, but several tests did not detect any problems.
He collapsed in the shower at the hospital and could not be revived.
Mrs Wicks said there would be an autopsy and coroner’s report to try to determine the cause of death.
“He had no heart problems before that and there was no illness,” Mrs Wicks said.
Alex’s mate, Simon Thurbon, said yesterday he became close to Alex when he moved to Gunnedah four years ago.
“He was one of the people who, when I first came to town, befriended me and we have become good friends,” he said.
“The kids are friends as well. We were two old boys still running around for the Devils. He was 37 and I am 39 this year. He hid a real intellect inside his larrikin exterior.”
Mr Thurbon said the two had shared many conversations and also shared a common dislike for the NSW Waratahs, dressing as Brumbies superheroes to stir up Waratahs fans.
He said he was absolutely shocked at Alex’s death.
“This was definitely not on our radar,” he said.
“He was supposed to be heading up to the Gold Coast for a holiday and we were planning our table for the (Gunnedah Rugby Club) ball.
“He was the second grade coach and trying to organise all our players. He is leaving his three girls behind and Emma. They had such a strong bond, it was almost like a teenaged love.”
The Courthouse Hotel is planning a fundraiser for the family on Saturday, April 23, with people encouraged to wear a jersey and donate.
There will also be fundraising at the Gunnedah Rugby Club Ball commemorating the club’s 125th anniversary on May 7, with commemorative jerseys and other items to be auctioned.
