He’d suffered severe head and brain injuries in a motorcycle accident in the Cook Islands.

After being admitted to a local hospital, John was eventually airlifted to hospital in Auckland where the full extent of his condition was determined.

When news of his plight reached his many friends and family in and around the Mid-North Coast, a fundraising effort began and raised a staggering $45,600.

John lived on the Mid North Coast before moving to the Cook Islands. 

He relocated to Rarotonga after his wife Taegan lost her battle last year with cervical cancer.

The pair had married shortly before her death. 

John worked in Port Macquarie and played rugby union for the Wauchope Thunder in 2015.

News of the accident rocked the circle of friends who supported John and Taegan during their time in the Hastings. 

The Wauchope Thunder announced his passing with great sadness.

A Facebook post said that as part of their coaching team, his knowledge and enthusiasm demonstrated his love of the game and his mates, adding:  “He is now at peace alongside his much-loved Taegan.”