A Tragic Loss: Former Scotland International Greig Oliver Dies in Paragliding Accident

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Former Scotland international and Munster coach Greig Oliver passed away on Monday afternoon after a paragliding accident in Cape Town. The accident occurred above the Sea Point Promenade, resulting in the loss of a beloved figure in the rugby community.

The Accident

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), two tandem paragliders collided mid-air. The first tandem paraglider landed safely, with both the pilot and passenger emerging unscathed. However, the second tandem paraglider deployed a reserve parachute and landed in the water off the shore of Sea Point Promenade.

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Rescue Efforts

NSRI rescue swimmers and paramedics quickly responded to the scene, freeing Oliver from the paragliding gear and recovering him onto the rocks. Despite extensive CPR efforts on-site, paramedics declared Oliver dead.

Impact on Rugby Community

Oliver’s impact on the rugby community was far-reaching. As a player, he featured in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 for Scotland. As a coach, he worked with Ireland ‘A’ and Ireland U20 from 2011-2014, and he served as Elite Performance Officer for Munster.

The Irish rugby community expressed their condolences. IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts stated, “On behalf of the Irish rugby community, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Oliver family at this extremely sad time.”

Remembering Greig Oliver

Numerous individuals in the rugby fraternity have paid their respects to Oliver, remembering his contributions to the sport and mourning his untimely passing. Potts further expressed the shared sentiments of the community, calling the news an “unspeakable tragedy” and extending thoughts to Greig’s wife Fiona, children Jack and Ciara, and his many friends, family, and colleagues.

Legacy

Greig Oliver’s passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life. As the rugby world comes together to remember him, his legacy as a rugby player and coach remains a testament to his dedication to the sport. The rugby community is undoubtedly feeling the weight of his absence, and his memory will be cherished by those who knew him well.

In the wake of such an unexpected tragedy, it becomes essential to hold our loved ones close and appreciate the time we have together. Let us all take a moment to reflect on the impact we make on others, and strive to leave a lasting legacy of our own.

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Isabella Schmidt is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from Bo-Kaap spice merchants to Khayelitsha microbreweries. Raised hiking the trails that link Table Mountain to the Cape Flats, she brings the flavours and voices of her hometown to global readers with equal parts rigour and heart.

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