Father of 6 dies at football

Captain of the North Wellington Onslows suffers heart attack after a half-time team talk

Afather of six collapsed and died at halftime during a football game in Wellington just after he had talked to team-mates. Tim Robertson, captain of the North Wellington Onslows football team, had an apparent heart attack.

Family friend Sandy Cumpstone said the family was shaken.

“They’re doing it pretty tough, they’ve lost their rock,” Cumpstone said.

Robertson was giving his speech at halftime and Cumpstone understood he wasn’t feeling well and didn’t plan to return to the field.

A first aid team attended to the 50-year-old for 40 minutes but he did not respond.

Robertson’s team was playing at Alex Moore Park in Johnsonville on Saturday against the North Wellington Zimmers in the over-35s section when the incident occurred.

Cumpstone said Robertson strongly supported his family on and off the field.

His daughter Michaela, a rising star in the game, is involved with the Football Ferns domestic programme.

“She’s really well known in the women’s scene and her sister Jemma is following in her footsteps, she’s

near the golden boot in the local league,” Cumpstone said.

“He’s quite a big personality and is quite vocal in his support for his daughters.”

Wellington United said Robertson would be missed but never forgotten. The club said he was an “energetic, spontaneous, cheeky and loving” family man.

“Even during his own game his mind was on his family . . . sending messages to see how Michaela and the Diamonds were going. This epitomises Tim and the love that he has for his family and friends.

“Our thoughts, prayers and love are with Tim’s wife Lynda, and their children Jemma, Michaela, Holly, Emily, Danielle and Josh, their family, friends and Tim’s North Wellington teammates,” the post reads.

North Wellington AFC club manager Helen Mallon confirmed his death on the club’s Facebook page, acknowledging those who tried to save him.

They’re doing it pretty tough, they’ve lost their rock. Sandy Cumpstone, family friend

Tim Robertson with wife Lynda and four of their daughters (from left) Holly, Emily, Michaela and Jemma. Absent are Danielle and Josh.