New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 20
Here are 3 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 20:
Sonny Fai
Sonny Fai (March 20, 1988 Auckland-January 4, 2009 Te Henga (Bethells Beach)) was a New Zealand rugby player.
Although his career was short, Sonny Fai was considered one of the most promising young rugby players in New Zealand. He began his professional rugby career with the New Zealand Warriors in 2007 but tragically lost his life at the young age of 20 in a drowning accident in Te Henga (Bethells Beach) on January 4, 2009. His death had a profound impact on the rugby community in New Zealand and worldwide, and he is still remembered with fondness by fans today.
Sonny Fai's family were immigrants from Samoa who moved to New Zealand. He was born and raised in Auckland and attended the Mount Albert Grammar School. During his school years, he played for the rugby league team and quickly showed potential as an athlete. After finishing school, he was discovered by talent scouts and offered a contract to play with the New Zealand Warriors.
In his first year of playing rugby professionally in 2007, Fai quickly became one of the team's most valuable players. He was known for his speed, agility, and strength on the field, and many commentators predicted a bright future for him. However, tragedy struck just two years into his professional career when he drowned on a beach in Te Henga.
Following Fai's death, his family set up a foundation in his name to promote water safety awareness and support young rugby players. His legacy continues to live on in the rugby community in New Zealand and beyond, and he is remembered as a talented and dedicated athlete with a bright future ahead of him.
Sonny Fai's death shook the entire sports community in New Zealand and resulted in an outpouring of condolences from people all around the world. The rugby league world was left in shock, and many of his friends, former coaches, and teammates spoke fondly of his dedication to the sport and his tremendous character off the field.
Following his death, the New Zealand Warriors retired the number 18 jersey that Fai had worn during his brief but illustrious stint with the team. In addition to this, a memorial service was held in his honour at the Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, which was attended by thousands of fans and well-wishers.
Sonny Fai's family is still actively involved in promoting water safety and supporting young rugby players through the Sonny Fai Foundation. The Foundation offers scholarships and financial assistance to talented youngsters aspiring to become professional rugby players, and it also provides resources and support to help young people develop their sporting skills and achieve their full potential.
Sonny Fai's legacy continues to inspire many young rugby players in New Zealand and elsewhere, and his family's efforts to promote water safety and support upcoming talent have ensured that his name continues to be associated with positivity and hope.
He died in drowning.
Read more about Sonny Fai on Wikipedia »
Alex Elisala
Alex Elisala (August 17, 1992 New Zealand-April 29, 2013 Mackay) was a New Zealand rugby player.
He played as a hooker for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League (NRL). Elisala started his rugby career with the Melbourne Storm in 2011 and moved to North Queensland Cowboys in 2013. Unfortunately, he tragically took his own life at the young age of 20. Despite his short-lived career, he left a lasting legacy in the rugby community and is remembered as an exceptional player with a promising future.
Elisala was born in New Zealand and grew up in Brisbane, Australia where he attended St. Peter Claver College. He was known for his hard work, determination and positivity both on and off the field. During his time with the Melbourne Storm, he played for the club's under-20s team and helped them reach the grand final. After joining the North Queensland Cowboys, he made his NRL debut against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 6 of the 2013 season. Elisala's death shocked the rugby community and led to an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from players, coaches, and fans alike. The North Queensland Cowboys also established the Alex Elisala Foundation in his honor, which aims to provide support and raise awareness for mental health and well-being in young people.
Elisala's passing was a devastating loss for his family and friends, who were deeply affected by his sudden death. He was remembered as a kind and loving person who always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude, despite the challenges he faced. In addition to his rugby career, Elisala was also passionate about music and played the ukulele. His legacy lives on through the Alex Elisala Foundation, which continues to promote mental health and well-being in young people, and through the memories of those who knew and loved him.
Read more about Alex Elisala on Wikipedia »
Mosese Fotuaika
Mosese Fotuaika (March 23, 1992 Gisborne-February 28, 2013 Merrylands) was a New Zealand rugby player.
He played as a prop in the National Rugby League for the Parramatta Eels and also represented Samoa at the international level. Fotuaika made his debut with the Parramatta Eels in 2011 and played in 52 games for the club. He was known for his physicality and work ethic on and off the field.
Fotuaika passed away tragically at the age of 20 due to an accidental prescription drug overdose. His death was mourned by the rugby community in both New Zealand and Australia, with many of his former teammates and coaches sharing their memories and condolences. The Mosese Fotuaika Foundation was established in his honor to promote drug and alcohol awareness and provide support to young people who may be struggling with addiction.
The foundation also aims to promote education and training opportunities for youth in the Pacific Island community. Mosese Fotuaika was born in Gisborne, New Zealand and was of Samoan descent. He began playing rugby at a young age and was scouted by the Parramatta Eels in 2010. Prior to becoming a professional rugby player, Fotuaika worked as a carpenter and was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. He was also a devoted family man and was survived by his parents, siblings, and young daughter. Despite his untimely death, Fotuaika's legacy continues to live on through the work of the foundation and the impact he had on his teammates and the rugby community.
Fotuaika's impact on the rugby community was significant, with many of his former teammates and coaches speaking highly of him both on and off the field. He was known for his unrelenting physicality and relentless work ethic during training and games, which earned him the respect of his peers. Off the field, Fotuaika was known for his kind and compassionate personality, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
In addition to his contributions to rugby, Fotuaika was also passionate about his Samoan heritage and was actively involved in promoting Samoan culture in the community. He was an avid supporter of the Pacific Island community and believed that education and empowerment were key to providing opportunities for future generations.
The Mosese Fotuaika Foundation, established in 2013, has continued to keep Fotuaika's legacy alive through its work in promoting education, training, and drug and alcohol awareness in the Pacific Island community. The foundation has provided scholarships and support to young people in need and has partnered with local organizations to provide resources and education on addiction and mental health.
Fotuaika's untimely passing was a tragic loss for the rugby community, but his impact on the sport and the Pacific Island community will never be forgotten.
Read more about Mosese Fotuaika on Wikipedia »