Highlanders Back Connor Garden-Bachop Dies at 25 After ‘Medical Event’
Highlanders back Connor Garden-Bachop has passed away at the age of 25 following an unspecified “medical event,” New Zealand Rugby announced on Tuesday.
Police reported that they were called to the scene of a sudden death in Christchurch on Monday evening. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner.
“Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event and rugby’s collective focus at this time is on supporting his family,” New Zealand Rugby said in a statement.
Connor Garden-Bachop, son of former All Black Stephen Bachop, played for the Highlanders in this season’s Super Rugby competition. He was also the father of twin girls.
Connor Garden-Bachop Played 30 Matches for the Highlanders
Highlanders team-mate Jona Nareki led the tributes to the winger on social media, posting on Instagram: “Rest in peace my brother. Love ya, my boy.”
Garden-Bachop also represented the Maori All Blacks and came from a family of New Zealand internationals. His mother, Susan Garden-Bachop, played for New Zealand’s Black Ferns, while his uncle Graeme Bachop also played for the All Blacks.
Garden-Bachop made his debut for the Highlanders in 2021, going on to make 30 appearances in Super Rugby. The club had announced that he was one of several players not returning next season.
In a recent Instagram post, Garden-Bachop praised the Dunedin-based team after what he called “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.”
