Player killed in crash ‘one of the best’

JAMIE Wheeler is being remembered as a man who would do anything for anyone.

Mr Wheeler (28) died at the scene of a singlevehicle crash in Ikawai Middle Rd, Glenavy, about 10.30pm on Friday. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Mr Wheeler was a member of Lincoln Rugby Club for many years, until he moved to the Waimate district late last year.

Three weeks ago, Mr Wheeler answered a plea from his beloved rugby club in Canterbury to play for the division three side.

Before moving, Mr Wheeler was a huge part of the division two side for many years, and was only too happy make the trip north to help the club.

Club president Corran Pywell paid tribute to the former division two player yesterday.

He said Mr Wheeler’s loyalty to the club showed his character.

‘‘When any member of our rugby club passes away like that, being so young, and the sort of guy that would drive anywhere to help the club out and help his old teammates out, [it] sort of sums it up.’’

The club was devastated by the news of Mr Wheeler’s death, Mr Pywell said.

He described Mr Wheeler as a great team player and an even better club man. The division two team had been together for ‘‘quite some time’’ and Mr Wheeler had been a key member.

‘‘Speaking to quite a few of the players, they said he was one of the best, most humble men around and [you’d] have a lot of fun with him.’’

Lincoln’s B side is playing a catchup match tomorrow night. The team will wear black arm bands and stand in silence for one minute as a mark of respect for Mr Wheeler.

Police are investigating the crash.