Aussies have rallied around the heartbroken family and friends of an aspiring rugby star who tragically drowned earlier this week.
Taonashe Chivhaku, 16, was swimming in Macquarie River in Dubbo in central-west NSW shortly after 5.30pm on Monday evening.
Just 10 minutes after he entered the water, Taonashe disappeared from view and was reported missing.
A large-scale search involving multiple agencies including police rescue, SES and VRA Rescue was launched to find the teen.
The search continued until 12.30pm on Tuesday, when authorities made the tragic discovery of his body.
Shattered locals gathered at the river for a candlelight vigil on Thursday night.
Taonashe was an active member of the local community and played for the Dubbo Junior Rugby Club.
Also know as ‘Latroy’ to those who knew him, the teen won the most improved award in his premiership winning under-16s team last season.
Taonashe Chivhaku, 16, vanished 10 minutes after entering the water in the Macquarie River near Sandy Beach Road in Dubbo on Monday
The 16-year-old played for the Dubbo Junior Rugby Club
A GoFundMe page has been organised by club president Adam Willner to help Taonashe’s family with funeral costs and other expenses.
‘Gone too soon. Latroy was a loving brother, son, and friend. Tragically, Latroy was taken from this world on 3rd February 2025,’ Mr Willner wrote.
In an outpouring of support, Australians across the country have rallied their support for the teenager’s family.
Almost $50,000 has been raised within a day, exceeding the original fundraising goal of $40,000.
The wider community has also been rocked by the tragedy.
Mayor Josh Black said the teenager’s death was an ‘incredibly sad situation’.
Dubbo MLC Stephen Lawrence also offered condolences to Latroy’s family and friends.
‘Taken far too young by cruel fate,’ Mr Lawrence wrote online.
The Club shared a touching tribute to Taonashe, who they knew as ‘Latroy’, describing him as a ‘great friend and teammate’
It comes after the club shared a touching tribute to Taonashe, known by coaches and teammates as ‘Latroy’, to its Facebook page on Wednesday.
It is with a heavy heart we share the devastating news of Taonashe Chivhaku aka ‘Latroy’ passing,’ the club wrote.
‘Latroy was a member of our club for the past two years and in 2024 he was an integral part of our undefeated U16 Blues Premiership team.
His rugby journey was one of hard work, commitment and simply enjoying playing rugby with his mates on a Saturday morning.’
The club wrote while Taonashe was not ‘blessed with size’ he made up for his smaller stature in ‘attitude and effort’. 
A GofundMe was started to help Taonashe’s family with funeral costs and other expenses (pictured, multi-agency search for Taonashe)
Taonashe was also described as a ‘great friend and teammate’ and his death as a ‘devastating time’ for the community.
‘Our sincere condolences go out to Latroy’s family and friends and the broader rugby community during this devastating time,’ the club wrote.
‘We must continue to support each other through such a tragic loss, and remember the great friend and teammate Latroy was.
‘You will be deeply missed Latroy and never forgotten.’
Forbes Rugby Union Club also shared its deepest condolences to Taonashe’s family, friends, Dubbo Junior Rugby Club and the Dubbo community.
‘It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of Dubbo Roo’s Junior members and players,’ the club wrote.
‘This loss resonates throughout the entire rugby community. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and teammates who are grieving this unimaginable loss.
‘In these difficult times, we encourage anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or in need of support to reach out.’
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-02-06 09:57:35
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