ACT MP Mark Cameron announced the death of his Son Brody, 22, after he died unexpectedly, sparking an outpouring of tributes.
“Good speed my Son, my boy. I love you always, Dad. RIP,” Mr Cameron wrote on Facebook.
The cause of death hasn’t been disclosed.
The Daily Mail reported that Brody was a celebrated forward for the Vikings Rugby Football Club in Northland, the northernmost region of New Zealand.
His friends and family gathered at the Dargaville Rugby Club for his memorial service.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon offered Mr Cameron condolences:
“I offer our deepest condolences to you, Mark. I know the thoughts and prayers of the whole Parliament are with your family right now, too,” Mr Luxon wrote.
Other politicians also wrote messages of support.
“Take care my friend our thoughts and prayers are with you,” fellow Act MP Karen Chhour wrote.
Labour Party MP Barbara Edmonds said the news of Brody’s death was “heartbreaking.”
“My biggest aroha (Maori for love) to you and your family at this time.”
Other public figures wished Mr Cameron their best in the wake of the death.
“Very sad news Mark love from our family to yours,” former Northland MP Matt King wrote.
“My deepest thoughts are with you and your family,” social media personality Farmer James added.
Cameron said no parent should have to bury their child in a touching eulogy at Brody’s memorial service.
He described his Son as “all of my successes and none of my failures” while fighting back tears.
“From a father to a son, I say to you tackle the bs, run straight, leave your shoes and your hat at the door and remember to smile when you’re greeted, for we will say hi, you will say hi and we are together,” Mr Cameron said.
He also said his Son chose kindness and dignity when others would turn to “anger, frustration.”
“When apathy beset the many, you found sympathy, empathy, and kindness that only a few of us could actually ever parallel,” he said.
“When some looked for shortcomings and weakness and errors of the vulnerable, my boy you found decency, dignity and their blessings.”
“The many qualities that I do not have, some here do not have, you brought to all of us.”
The Vikings Rugby Football Club also paid tribute to their star forward:
“Brody was a player with the Vikings team in 2018 as a highly valued forward,” they wrote.
“He was also a well respected and well liked player for the Whangārei Boys High 1st XV Team during the same time.”
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