‘Stunned by Tragic News: Olympic Rugby Silver Medallist for Paris 2024 Passes Away at 30’

Josaia Raisuqe, who secured a silver medal for Fiji in men’s rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has tragically passed away, as confirmed by his club, Castres Olympique. He was just 30 years old.

Castres, a renowned rugby union team competing in France’s elite Top 14 championship, announced that Raisuqe died in a “road accident,” with the news reaching the team late Thursday night AEST.

CNN has contacted local French authorities and Fiji Rugby for further details.

Reports from France indicate that his vehicle collided with a train at a level crossing while he was en route from training to retrieve personal items from his residence.

According to initial testimonies gathered, “it appears the vehicle breached the safety barriers and was struck by the locomotive,” stated Castres public prosecutor Elodie Buguel.

In their official statement, Castres expressed that the club “is in mourning” and announced the postponement of their upcoming match against ASM Clermont, originally set for Saturday.

“The entire Castres Olympique family is devastated by this heartbreaking news,” the statement revealed.

“Josh had been with the club since 2021. He was a cherished teammate, highly regarded by all, especially by the passionate Castres supporters who embraced him. We offer our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family and loved ones.”

The French National Rugby League also issued a statement, confirming that tributes to Raisuqe will be held across all Top 14 and Pro D2 venues this weekend.

Raisuqe participated in the gold medal match for rugby sevens in Paris, which saw Fiji narrowly defeated by the host nation, losing 28-7.

Castres president Pierre-Yves Revol hailed Raisuqe, who had been part of the starting line-up in the team’s previous match against Toulouse, as “a vibrant young man both on and off the field,” noting his significance as “a cornerstone of the Fijian community within the club, which we hold dear.”

“Naturally, my thoughts are with his fiancée and the rest of his family. I also extend my gratitude to everyone who has reached out to the club,” Revol expressed.