Former New Zealand rugby international Jerry Collins was killed Friday along with his wife when a bus crashed into their car in southern France, local officials said, as ex-teammates expressed shock.
Collins, 34, who was capped 48 times by the All Blacks, was near the town of Beziers when his car came to an unexplained stop on the A9 highway, before being hit by the bus. The couple were travelling with their two-month-old daughter, who survived the accident but is in a serious condition, the officials said.
We’re deeply saddened to hear of the death of Jerry Collins and his wife Alana in a car crash today #RIPJerryCollins pic.twitter.com/nzS2uVtj7D
— adidas Rugby (@adidasrugby) June 5, 2015
RIP Jerry Collins #legend pic.twitter.com/7Q0O78bG5e
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 5, 2015
Terrible news about Jerry Collins & his wife in France. Thoughts are with his family.
— Brian O’Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) June 5, 2015
Hurricanes players & fans are among those paying tribute after the death of Jerry Collins http://t.co/MezpzfGe8e pic.twitter.com/ftXl0oXLLU
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 5, 2015
Sincere condolences to the family of Jerry Collins and all at @AllBlacks from World Rugby pic.twitter.com/9lvfTIBKqO
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 5, 2015
RIP Jerry Collins. Deepest sympathy to all concerned. Was a great player and always a pleasure to referee.
— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) June 5, 2015
GALLERY: Jerry Collins’ magnificent #SuperRugby and Test career in photos http://t.co/yivgHLZIrq #RIPJC pic.twitter.com/kp5aEHczj9
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) June 5, 2015
What a huge loss. Inspiration to many young players growing up including myself. RIP Jerry Collins and his wife Alana. Best wishes baby Ayla
— Sam Warburton (@samwarburton_) June 5, 2015
Terrible news to wake up to about Jerry Collins and his wife’s passing keeping his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) June 5, 2015
Terribly sad news about Jerry Collins and his wife. Tragic car accident. Pray for their little one to pull through.
— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) June 5, 2015
You were close to our hearts too! RIP Jerry Collins and condolences to all the families involved. #warrior @AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/CcBfNwhRUi
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) June 5, 2015
So sad to hear the news about the all black jerry collins,hardest tackler in world rugby and top bloke!! Gutted to say the least.. RIP champ
— herschelle gibbs (@hershybru) June 5, 2015
RIL Jerry Collins. Prayers & thoughts go out to him & his wife’s family. So sad & shocked! Everyone pls be safe on the roads. #Legend #Uso
— Junior Poluleuligaga (@JIP2EZY) June 5, 2015
Awful news about Jerry Collins. Wonderful talent & a kind-hearted man. Rest in peace #Baabaas #rugby #rugbyunited pic.twitter.com/pMHTuqnIbW
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) June 5, 2015
Such sad news about Jerry Collins and his wife,who died in a car crash in France,tragic news#RIP Legend
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) June 5, 2015
Tragic, heartbreaking news. Jerry Collins was one of the greats of rugby and a better man off the field. RIP my St Pats Wellington brother
— Jamie Pandaram (@JamiePandaram) June 5, 2015
#Tragic news abt Jerry Collins & wife passing today! RIP big man,you’ve certainly left a mark on me forever! #bighit http://t.co/2LJpGh93rt
— Thinus Delport (@thinusdelport) June 5, 2015
