Tributes paid to 'bubbly' university rugby player who died after being tackled during match
Maddy Lawrence, 20, was taken to hospital with an injury that was "not at all life threatening" but died on Friday, her grieving family said.
Tuesday 29 March 2022 18:51, UK
A "bubbly" university rugby player who was injured during the last match of the season died after picking up a bacterial infection, her heartbroken family have said.
Maddy Lawrence, 20, was playing for the University of the West of England (UWE) women's second team against the University of Bristol when she was injured while being tackled on March 7.
The winger, known as Twinkle Toes, was taken to hospital with an injury that was "not at all life threatening" but died on Friday, her grieving family said.
In an emotional statement, they paid tribute to her "bravery, spirit, goodness, sass, beauty and love" and said they had been comforted by the "outpouring of love" for her.
They said: "Ever since Maddy started playing rugby at UWE she has loved every moment of it. During the last match of the season, she sustained an injury which was not at all life threatening.
"She went into hospital and we believed that she should be home by the weekend.
"Tragically, she had picked up a bacterial infection that the acute team tried tirelessly to get under control.
"Maddy fought with every sinew in her body, through life saving surgeries every single day of her stay in ICU."
Her family praised her "spirit and desire to live", saying she "never gave up that fight".
They continued: "Maddy's presence, bravery, spirit, goodness, sass, beauty and love will never be forgotten and is felt all around us and in us and always will be.
"We are in the process of setting up a charitable fund through which Maddy will be able to continue her giving and her grace."
In an Instagram post, the team said she "exemplified what it means to be a UWE Women's Rugby Player".
They added: "She proudly represented our club both on and off the rugby pitch, growing into the sport and our rugby family.
"Maddy was a bubbly girl who was so fun to be around.
"Whenever she smiled and laughed you couldn't help but smile and laugh with her."
The team said her "everlasting energy" has left its mark on the club and vowed to retire the number 11 shirt in her honour and remembrance.
'Maddy's beaming smile and warmth embodied the incredible bond we have'
Tom Monks, head of UWE Women's Rugby Union, said: "Maddy was an absolute pleasure to coach.
"She wanted to learn and appreciated every playing opportunity that her dedication warranted.
"The unity and togetherness of this year's squad is the strongest I've ever felt in my 20 years of coaching and Maddy's beaming smile and warmth embodied the incredible bond we have."
A university spokeswoman said: "Everyone in the UWE Bristol community is profoundly shocked and saddened by the death of our student and talented UWE Women's Rugby player Maddy Lawrence.
"We would like to pass on our deepest condolences and sympathies to Maddy's family, friends and teammates, at this very difficult time."