Home   News   Article

Tributes flood in following sudden death of young rugby player; Highland Rugby Club's Lewis MacDonald passed away on Tuesday


By Louise Glen

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Lewis MacDonald
Lewis MacDonald

ONE of the Highlands’ leading sporting clubs has been left reeling following the death of a young player.

Highland Rugby Club has postponed all of this weekend’s matches after 23-year-old Lewis MacDonald was found dead at his home.

His family was too upset to talk about the tragedy but police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

Mr MacDonald, from Beech Avenue, Nairn, died on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr MacDonald was a regular player with the Inverness club’s second XV and matches that were due to be played this weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.

Club president Graham Findlater said: “One of our own, a second team player has passed away suddenly.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“As a matter of respect to him, and his family, all senior matches have been cancelled.”

Nairn councillor Liz MacDonald also expressed her sympathies.

“This is simply a tragedy,” she said.

“It is heartbreaking to think of a family going through this, at this time of year.

“It is really sad news and my thoughts are with this young man’s family and friends. Our hearts go out to them.”

A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland was made aware of the sudden death of a 23-year-old man at a property on Beech Avenue in Nairn around 3.15pm on Tuesday, December 10.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

The fiscal confirmed investigations were ongoing.

A spokesman for Mr MacDonald’s former employer, Northern Marine Group, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our former colleague. During his time with the company, Lewis regularly demonstrated the finest qualities of a skilled seafarer who had a promising maritime career ahead of him.

“Our deepest condolences are with his family at this difficult time.”

Donna Smith, chairwoman of Inverness-based suicide prevention charity Mikeysline, said that there was always someone there to listen for anyone who finds themselves isolated, lonely or with difficult thoughts.

“It is very sad to hear of the death of a young man in our community,” she said.

“We appreciate that lots of people have difficulties in their lives. At this time of year there is even more pressure on people both emotionally and financially.

“The festive season is particularly difficult because of the high number of expectations on people to enjoy and take part in events that may be hard for them. It is not always easy.

“Anyone who is feeling down, lonely or anxious about anything in their lives is encouraged to send us a text on 07779 303 303 in complete confidence, or call into see us at the Hive at 19 Academy Street, Inverness.”

The text service is available from 6-10pm Mondays to Thursdays and 7pm to 7am Fridays to Sundays.

See mikeysline.co.uk for more details of opening hours of The Hive.

Highland Rugby Club’s first team had been due to play Gala away while the second team were scheduled to be at home against Ross Sutherland, both matches scheduled for Saturday.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More