Former New Zealand rugby star Jerry Collins died Friday, along with his wife, in a car crash in France which has left their 3-month-old daughter in critical condition.
Collins won 48 caps for the All Blacks and captained the side at the 2007 World Cup. The 34-year-old's death was confirmed in a statement from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
New Zealand Rugby expressed its "shock and sadness at the news," with Collins' manager, Tim Castle, adding: "The family and I are distraught at the death of a much-loved son, brother and friend, and his partner Alana, whom I got to know recently.
"I have been in touch with Jerry's father Frank and other members of his family who are in Samoa at the moment. It's obviously a terribly difficult time for them and together with New Zealand Rugby we are doing all we can to support them. I have also been in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who are also doing everything they can to ensure that baby Ayla is getting all the care and support she needs. I am very grateful for their support."
Collins made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes in 2001 before making his international bow later that year.
He had signed for French club Narbonne in January of this year.
After his death, a host of countrymen and ex-team-mates offered their sympathies.
Governing body World Rugby offered its sympathies to Collins' family via Twitter.
"Sincere condolences to the family of Jerry Collins and all at @AllBlacks from World Rugby," read a post on Twitter.
World Rugby Hall of Famer Jonah Lomu also added his tribute.
"Rest in peace. My brother JC n your lovely lady. You will be sorely missed. Prayers to your little may she Survive ofa atu [with love] colins family," the former All Black tweeted.
Current New Zealand cricketers Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor revealed their shock and sadness at the news.
Guptill wrote: "Horrible to wake up to the news about Jerry Collins and his wife. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and daughter."
Taylor added: "Very sad to hear the passing of Jerry Collins and his wife. Thoughts and prayers with the family and Daughter."
All Blacks stars Sonny Bill Williams and Piri Weepu also joined the tributes, the former stating: "Love you uso, May God look after your little one."
Weepu added: "Struggling to think that its happened.. dont want to believe it!! Had the privilege and honour of bleeding with him on the weekends on the field. Words cant express how sad I am brother. RIP big brother JC! My heart and sadness goes out to jerry's wife and her family. And also to the collins family.. alofa atu!!"
Australian Rugby Union chief executive officer Bill Pulver issued the following statement: "Australian Rugby is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry and his partner Alana and extends its deepest condolences to family and friends of the couple, and to the New Zealand Rugby Union.
"Jerry was one of the toughest forwards in the game and is right up there with the all-time great players to wear the All Black jersey. World Rugby has lost one of its fiercest competitors and he will be dearly remembered by teammates and rugby fans at home in New Zealand and across the globe."
Wales captain Sam Warburton spoke of his admiration for Collins, tweeting: "What a huge loss. Inspiration to many young players growing up including myself. RIP Jerry Collins and his wife Alana. Best wishes baby Ayla."