sportskeeda
A YOUNG rugby player sadly lost his life after suffering a minor shin injury during a match.
Samuel Staple was found deceased at his grandparents’ home shortly before 10am on September 24 in Tupholme, Lincoln.
An inquest into the death of the 15-year-old was opened yesterday.
During the brief hearing, it was disclosed that Samuel had sustained an injury while playing for Lincoln RFC U16s the previous day and required first aid treatment.
Coroner Wilkes remarked: “The next day, Samuel felt unwell; he had been ill and missed school.
“Throughout the day, he was monitored and it was presumed he was just resting.”
Later on, Samuel’s grandmother, Rebecca, tried to wake him and found “he was not breathing and had been sick.”
Despite the arrival of paramedics at the home, unfortunately, Samuel was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination was carried out, revealing toxicology results that showed elevated levels of medication in Samuel’s system at the time of his passing.
The inquest has been adjourned until March 26, 2025.
In a moving tribute, Lincoln Rugby Club expressed: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a young member of our rugby community, Sam Staple.
“Sam left us on Tuesday, September 24, and will be sorely missed by all.
“He was a fun-loving, vibrant, and larger-than-life individual, an incredibly special young man.”
They noted that Sam had a “passionate” love for rugby and was a dedicated supporter of Stockport County FC and Wasps RFC.
The club and Samuel’s family have established The Sam Staple Memorial Fund to create a lasting tribute in his honor.
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