Culcheth Eagles is facing an utterly devastating loss after Open Age player Adam “Carney” Cooper died during a North West Men's League Division Four match in Runcorn on Saturday.
The 31-year-old was playing for the Warrington side away against Runcorn ARLFC at Heath playing fields when an ambulance was called. Tragically, Adam, a father of three, could not be saved.
For a local club such as Culcheth Eagles, rugby is about far more than the score at the final whistle. It is friendship, family and belonging, which makes this loss all the more painful for everyone connected with the team.
The club confirmed the news in a statement:
“It is with the deepest sadness that we can now confirm the passing of one of our Open Age players, Adam ‘Carney’ Cooper, at yesterday’s away match at Runcorn.”
Adam will be sadly missed by his mum, fiancée Michelle, three children, grandma, sister, step-dad, uncle and all of his rugby “family”. The club also thanked the wider rugby league community for its messages of support, a reminder that even fierce opponents know when the game itself has to take a back seat.
A minute's applause was due to be held before the Eagles' games on Sunday. Other clubs also shared their condolences, including Warrington Wolves, who said on Twitter: “Thoughts of everyone at Warrington Wolves are with all those affected by today's tragic events.”
Leeds Rhinos added: “Deeply sad news regarding the @CulchethEagles player today, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone connected to the club.”
This is a heartbreaking moment for Adam's loved ones, Culcheth Eagles and the wider rugby league community. No fixture, result or league position can matter more than the life lost and the people left grieving.