Australian footballer dies after being towed into goalpost by quad bike
A 25-year-old footballer, Jed Griffin, died after hitting a goalpost while being towed by an unregistered quad bike at his club's home ground in New South Wales; a 20-year-old driver has been charged.
The Riverina community in New South Wales, Australia, is mourning 25-year-old footballer Jed Griffin, who died on Sunday, September 20, at the Osborne Football Club's home ground after being towed by an unregistered quad bike and colliding with a goalpost.
What happened
According to The Border Mail, emergency services were called to the Osborne-Yerong Creek Road oval at about 2:30pm, where club members had gathered following the Hume League grand finals held the previous day in Walbundrie. Police allege Griffin was being towed by a quad bike driven by 20-year-old John William Russell Ryan when he collided with a goalpost. Bystanders gave immediate first aid, but Griffin died at the scene.
The incident occurred one day after Griffin played for Osborne's senior side in the Hume Football Netball League grand final against Henty, a match Osborne lost by six points.
Charges and court proceedings
Ryan was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner, and negligent driving occasioning death. He was arrested and taken to Wagga police station, where he underwent mandatory testing before being charged.
On Wednesday, September 23, Ryan appeared before Judge Gareth Christofi at Wagga Wagga Local Court, supported by family in the gallery. He was represented by solicitor Bridget French, acting as agent for defence lawyer Paul McGirr. Prosecutors confirmed the matter had been taken over by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The judge adjourned the case until November 11 for brief service orders, and Ryan's bail was formally continued. According to The Border Mail, Ryan had, just the day before the incident, won the best-on-ground medal in Osborne's reserves grand final victory.
Community mourning
Griffin was a key figure in Osborne's back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025. His coach of three years, Myles Aalbers, described him as a determined athlete with a cheeky smile and a quick wit, and one of the fiercest competitors he had coached. Griffin was also known for his love of fishing and hunting, and for his commitment to Osborne — he reportedly drove past several closer clubs to train and play there.
Several regional sporting clubs, including Henty, Coreen Daysdale Hopefield Buraja, and Corowa Rutherglen — where Griffin had previously played junior and senior football — offered public tributes and condolences. Counselling services have been made available to Osborne players and others affected by his death.
