The death of the Maori All Blacks star, who died in a horror car accident last week, is being investigated as a suspected suicide.
25-year-old super rugby star Sean Wainui died last week in a car accident near Tauranga in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region.
Coroner Louella Dunn has confirmed to the NZ Herald that his death “will be treated as an alleged suicide” just days after Wainui’s funeral in Gisborne.
Ms. Dunn has issued preliminary repression orders regarding the circumstances surrounding the player’s death and no further details can be released.
The death of Maori All Blacks star Sean Wainui (pictured), who died in a tragic car accident last week, is being investigated as a suspected suicide, a medical examiner has confirmed
The reveal comes just days after his grieving wife Paige (pictured) paid her husband an emotional tribute after she finally laid his body to rest.
The reveal comes just days after his grieving wife Paige paid her husband an emotional tribute after she finally laid his body to rest on Sunday.
The mother of two posted an Instagram story showing her smiling next to her husband while he plays the guitar.
“To retire yesterday was the hardest thing I had and will do in my whole life,” wrote Paige. ‘I miss you so much, my baby, love you forever.’
Paige also posted a photo of a coastline with the words: “Not a second goes by that I don’t think about you, my baby, right in your favorite place in the world.
‘I know you will take care of us forever.’
The heartbroken widow posted two emotional tributes to her husband after the funeral, as it turned out just a few days later that his death “is being treated as an alleged suicide”.
The couple (pictured) just celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary six weeks ago
It’s the second tribute the grieving mother has posted since her husband’s death, with the couple celebrating their one-year wedding anniversary just six weeks ago.
Paige previously posted a video on Instagram as her husband’s body was being prepared for his return to Gisborne.
It showed her watching nearly two dozen men perform a ceremonial Maori haka while holding their two children, son Kawariki, 2, and stepdaughter Arahia.
“This pain is unbearable. You are returning to your home, my baby, I will guide you. I know you are waiting for us, ”she wrote.
‘We’re on our way to the Gizzy [Gisborne] Take you home now, baby. ‘
The Maori words roughly translate as “You return home, I will guide you”.
Paige previously posted a video of nearly two dozen men performing the haka for their family as her husband’s body was being prepared for his return to Gisborne
The All Blacks paid tribute to Wainui by pausing the haka ahead of Saturday’s friendly against the US in Washington, with captain Sam Whitelock (center) leading the team
Wainui’s inconsolable wife Paige said she was in “absolute pieces and in such great pain that she knows that all of my other half has left this earth” (pictured the couple on their wedding day)
The All Blacks honored him with a break from performing the haka before the team’s friendly against the United States in Washington DC on Saturday.
The team paused for 11 seconds to pay tribute to the # 11 jersey Wainui wore for the team, with the caption Sam Whitelock on top.
Meanwhile, Wainui’s family released a statement.
“We just want to thank everyone for their love and generosity. The fine homages from those who loved him all over the world mean a lot to us all.
“We understand that there are many who are hurt right now and want to hear from the Wnau, but please respect that we have just lost our little brother, son, husband and father and that our focus right now is on healing my brother and to lay to rest. ” . ‘
The rugby star’s wife honored her loved one by receiving a Tā Moko on her ring finger in a design similar to her husband’s, by the same artist who tattooed Wainui.
“I don’t have the words right now or I could start describing the feeling of losing you, baby, I just know I don’t wish that to anyone,” she wrote in the caption.
“I am completely torn apart and in so much pain because I know that all of my other half has left this earth.
“It was really a special moment when he made Sean’s mokowhiti to resemble our marriage and our tamariki.”
Paige honored her late husband by receiving a Tā Moko on her ring finger in a design similar to his, made by the same artist who tattooed Wainui (pictured)
“It was really a special moment when he made Sean’s mokowhiti to resemble our marriage and our tamariki,” the player’s wife captioned the Instagram video
At Wainuis Tangi, a Maori word for a solemn funeral or wake, his coach Colin Cooper paid the player a tearful tribute and said, “He was a star”.
“I was so proud of him, he took every ball and we could go on and win the case because he inspired, he inspired us with his attributes on the field,” he said.
Wainui’s father Paul said his heart began to heal after losing his son, saying, “I don’t want parents to bury their own child, especially at this age. [but] God gives and God takes. ‘
The 25-year-old’s brother said he would “always be close to our hearts,” adding that the four siblings “held themselves like the walls of a whare,” which meant a Maori home.
The former New Zealand representative under the age of 20 played 53 super rugby games for the Crusaders and the current Chiefs Club.
Wainui made super rugby history in June by becoming the first player to score five attempts in a match in a Trans Tasman bout against the NSW Waratahs.
He also represented the Maori All Blacks on 10 occasions.
His Super Rugby Club has remembered Wainui as a passionate, hardworking and proud Māori and exceptional player.
Wainui (pictured with wife Paige and son Kawariki, 2) is remembered from his Super Rugby Club as a passionate, hardworking and proud Māori and extraordinary player
The All Blacks star will be remembered by his wife Paige and two children, son Kawariki, 2, and daughter Arahia (pictured).
The police investigation into the fatal crash continues, with Coroner Louella Dunn confirming that his death was “treated as a suspected suicide” on Tuesday.
“The police were notified that a car crashed into a tree at around 7:50 am,” said a police statement.
“The only occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.
“The Serious Crash Unit was there and the investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.”
