Footballer Jed Griffin Dies in Quad Bike Crash; Teammate Charged

Jed Griffin, a 25-year-old dual premiership player for Osborne Tigers, died on Sunday after striking a goalpost while being towed by an unregistered quad bike at the club’s end-of-season celebration. His teammate John Ryan, 20, was charged with dangerous driving causing death and appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday, granted conditional bail. The tragedy occurred just one day after Griffin’s team lost the Hume Football Netball League grand final by six points.

How the accident happened

Griffin was being towed behind a quad bike on the oval at Osborne Recreation Reserve, about 70 kilometres southwest of Wagga Wagga in regional New South Wales, when he struck a goalpost around 2.30pm on Sunday. Bystanders performed first aid and paramedics arrived quickly, but Griffin died at the scene. The quad bike was unregistered. The incident occurred during the club’s end-of-season party, held the day after the grand final loss.

Charges and court appearance

John Ryan, 20, was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner, and negligent driving resulting in death. Ryan appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday with his parents present. He was granted conditional bail. The case is due to return to court for a status briefing in November.

Tributes to a fierce competitor and loyal friend

Griffin was a well-liked figure across the Riverina football community. His coach of three years, Myles Aalbers, described him as one of the fiercest competitors he had coached. Aalbers recalled Griffin’s distinctive cheeky smile and his passion for the club, noting that Griffin would drive past several rival teams just to get to Osborne for training and matches. Osborne club president Jason Webster said Griffin was the glue holding the playing group together. Multiple clubs across southern New South Wales rallied to support his family, with the Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club describing him as a spirited young man loved by many. Griffin’s family, including parents Terry and Nicole, sister Darby, and partner Sophie, remain at the centre of the community’s grief.

Community response and support

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through country football clubs in the region. Osborne Football Club released a statement saying the loss left the club numb and dealing with unimaginable grief. Counselling services have been offered to players and others affected. Flowers were laid at the goalpost in honour of Griffin. The timing of the tragedy, just one day after the grand final loss, has deepened the emotional impact on the tight-knit community.

Final Thoughts

Griffin’s death highlights the dangers of unregistered quad bikes and reckless behaviour at celebrations. The case will return to court in November as the community mourns a competitor and friend remembered for his fierce spirit and loyalty.

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