On Sunday, Colleen Cook’s husband and father of her two children excitedly went to play in his football team’s preliminary final.
It’s that time of year – finals time. The bittersweet anticipation of the last few games the season, knowing you’ve trained hard for this but wanting to hold onto the fun times with your mates just a little longer.
Colleen and Grant Cook with their children. Via Facebook.
It was a big day for Grant Cook.
The 28-year-old had been a dedicated member of the Murwillumbah Mustangs and before that the Mullumbimby Giants.
He and his wife operated a thriving greengrocer’s business in Tweed Heads and he was a much cherished part of his community and dedicated dad.
But Sunday was his day. He loved his footy.
Mr Cook died after a tackle. Via Facebook.
As the team ran on the field it was a warm afternoon, almost too hot for football. But they gave it their best.
Just before half time during Sunday’s A grade preliminary final between the Murwillumbah Mustangs and Casino at Murwillumbah on NSW’s far north coast, Grant Cook collapsed with a head injury after a tackle.
Northern Rivers Rugby League president Brian Rix told News Limited initially no one knew it was serious.
“Just before halftime he actually came from the field, they continued to play because there was only a bit over a minute left in the half and there was no indication it was anything major on the sideline at that stage,” Mr Rix told News Limited.
“When the halftime break came, we knew then it was quite serious.”
Mr Rix said “Cookie” as he was known “must’ve copped a knock or something, we have no idea.”
"He had to leave the field because he didn't feel great, he sat on the bench before he started to feel even worse."
Grant Cook's wife has penned an emotional tribute. Via Facebook.
An ambulance was called to Stan Sercombe Oval about 3.37pm as volunteers attempted to revive Mr Cook as he suffered fits and went into cardiac arrest.
After an agonising 25 minutes an ambulance arrived and rushed Mr Cook to the Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment.
The Australian reports it was almost 90 minutes after the first calls for help were made that he reached the hospital, but sadly the young father of two died.
Colleen Cook wrote: “I knew very early the outcome and am slowly accepting that I could not hold and kiss him forever.”
His wife, Colleen Cook, who had been with Grant since then began dating in high school has written a poignant farewell to her husband describing the tortuous moment she realised she had to say goodbye to her husband and return to her children to “be there for them”
“Walking away down that hospital corridor was one of the hardest things I have ever done,” she wrote.
“I knew very early the outcome and am slowly accepting that I could not hold and kiss him forever.”
“We loved him so much, and he loved us. And I guess this part is what hurts me the most. Him not growing old with me and watching our children hit each milestone.”
She writes: “I am unsure how we all will get by. But day by day it will happen.”
The young mother of two says she feels “immensely proud” of her husband.
“He helped so many, he loved unconditionally, he forgave others and taught me to do the same. He actually taught me many things. And held me together in my darkest days. He had the most beautiful blue eyes which both our children were blessed genetically with so that's comforting I will see him in our children daily.”
She finishes: “Rest in peace Grant Geoffrey Cook. You achieved so much at such a tender age of 28.”
“God took another good one away from us. He must have his reasons. But it doesn't lesson my grief. You died doing something you loved so passionately, and I guess that's how I have to look at it. You finally got to wear that number 6 jersey before the season was out too.”
Mr Cook’s former club the Mullumbimby Giants posted a tribute to Mr Cook on Facebook saying “no words can describe the sadness we are feeling. Out heartfelt condolences go to all of Grants family.”.
In a double tragedy, the club then just hours later posted another tribute to fellow former player Paul Mitchell, who had also died on Sunday.
“In what can only be described as one of the darkest weekends in our history we have just learnt of the passing Paul Mitchell,” the club wrote.
“Paul has been a long time member of our Giants family as a player and supporter. Our heartfelt condolences go to Paul’s family and friends. His smiling face will be forever missed.”
The double tragedy has hit the tight knit town who now mourns the loss of the two men.
Grant Cook leaves behind two young children. Via Facebook.
Our thoughts go out to their families.
A fund has been established to help the children of Grant Cook.