[imagesource:twitter/munsterrugby]

A freak paragliding accident in Sea Point yesterday claimed the life of Munster Rugby coach Greig Oliver.

The 58-year-old was killed when his tandem glider collided with another paraglider as they were coming down from Signal Hill.

The crash is said to have happened above Sea Point Promenade. National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, confirmed that the one tandem paraglider landed safely with both the pilot and passenger uninjured, while Oliver’s pilot deployed a reserve parachute and landed safely in the sea some 200 to 300 metres off-shore. Oliver is thought to have landed on rocks near the coast. Lambinon added that despite extensive CPR efforts, Oliver was declared dead by paramedics on the scene.

Oliver’s death has shocked the rugby community with Munster Club also expressing their condolences to Oliver’s family and the rugby fraternity at large.

Oliver was the father of Ireland U20 scrumhalf Jack Oliver, whom he was supporting with his family at the World Rugby U20 Championship.

In a statement following the incident, World Rugby expressed its sadness at the tragic passing of the 58-year-old.

‘All the players at the World Rugby U20 Championship stand in solidarity with Jack, his team-mates and the Oliver family and a moment’s silence will be observed across all of Tuesday’s matches as a mark of respect. We have also offered our full support to the Ireland team in South Africa.’

His club Munster also expressed their sadness over the unexpected death.

‘We are all in a state of shock following Greig’s tragic passing. He was a great colleague and friend to so many and will be dearly missed across the Munster and Irish Rugby community.’

Oliver represented Scotland in the 1987 Rugby World Cup as a player before earning a reputation as an accomplished coach of young players with Ireland ‘A’, Ireland U20 between 2011 and 2014, and more recently with Munster.

 

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The Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services has his body and an inquest has been planned to understand the exact cause of death.

[sources:capetownetc&mailonline]