H&F sportsman passes away after serious injury

A young sportsman who played for Hammersmith and Fulham Rugby Football Club has died after being injured in a tragic accident.

Stuart Mangan broke his neck while playing for H&F RFC in April 2008. The injury left him with no feeling below his neck , leaving him reliant on a ventilator and needing round-the-clock care.

"It is with great sadness that the Club has to announce the death of Stuart Mangan," a statement from H&F RFC said.

"Stuart started to suffer from a chest infection on Thursday 6th August 2009 and was admitted to St Mary's Hospital in London. He slipped in to a coma and passed away at 7pm on Friday 7th August 2009.

Stuart was a remarkable person who showed outstanding courage and determination in the the face of his injury. His positive attitude to everything that he did and his love of life makes him a credit to his family. Whoever met Stuart, either before or after his injury, could not fail to be impressed by his determination to live life to the full," the statement said.

The 26-year old joined the Hammersmith and Fulham club in 2007. He was playing fly-half when the accident happened and the injury, which is said to be extremely rare, occurred in open play. He was taken to intensive care at Charing Cross Hospital before being transferred to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, north London.

Mangan was originally from Fermoy in County Cork and following memorial masses in London and Dublin, his funeral took place in his home town. He was buried in Kilcrumper Cemetery, Fermoy on Friday 14th August 2009.

The Club say donations in lieu of flowers should be sent to the IRFU Charitable Trust or the RFU Injured Players' Foundation.

August 14, 2009