Rugby Star’s Sudden Death at 25: A Mystery

Tragic Passing of Young Rugby Star Connor Garden-Bachop Ruled Sudden Death in Context of Mildly Dilated Heart

A promising young rugby player, Connor Garden-Bachop, who had represented the Highlanders and the Maori All Blacks, died suddenly and unexpectedly earlier this year. A coroner’s investigation has now concluded that his death occurred in the context of a mildly dilated heart.

Garden-Bachop, aged 25, was found deceased in bed at his aunt and uncle’s home in Christchurch on the afternoon of June 17, 2024. He had reportedly gone to bed the previous evening feeling “well and happy.”

Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale released her findings on Tuesday, confirming that a post-mortem examination revealed no signs of injury and that Garden-Bachop had not consumed alcohol or drugs. However, the examination did identify a slight dilation of his heart.

The coroner’s report stated, “Death can occur when the heart develops an abnormal heartbeat, then stops.”

Forensic pathologist Dr. Leslie Anderson, providing evidence to the coroner, considered the potential role of seizures in Garden-Bachop’s death. While he had no prior history of seizures, he had experienced episodic concussions during his rugby career. His most recent concussion occurred approximately one month before his death, in May 2024.

Although a post-mortem cannot definitively examine seizures, Dr. Anderson noted that given the absence of a seizure history and the presence of an abnormal heart condition, seizures being the sole cause of death was deemed “less likely.”

Ultimately, Coroner Borrowdale determined the cause of death to be “sudden death in the context of a mildly dilated heart.” Investigations were also conducted to ascertain any potential genetic causes for his condition, but no abnormalities were identified.

Determining the precise time of Garden-Bachop’s death proved challenging. His last recorded cellphone activity was shortly after 11 pm on June 16, 2024. His alarm was heard repeatedly at 9:30 am the following day, which may suggest he had passed away by that time. However, as his body was not discovered until later that day, the coroner officially recorded the date of death as June 16-17, 2024.

In a heartfelt statement released on behalf of the Garden-Bachop whānau, his brother, Jackson Garden-Bachop, expressed gratitude for the ongoing love and support. “We miss Connor every day, and will continue to try and honour and emulate all that he was in the way we live our lives,” he said.

A Legacy of Talent and Love

The news of Connor Garden-Bachop’s sudden passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across New Zealand and internationally. He was widely remembered as an exceptionally talented sportsman with a vibrant personality.

A joint statement from New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby, and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association highlighted his achievements and character. He was described as a “fantastic young player” and a “proud Maori All Black.” The statement further noted:

• “Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could light up the room.”
• “Most importantly, he was a loving father to his twin girls, a brother, a son and immeasurably loved by all those who knew him.”

The wider rugby community also acknowledged the Garden-Bachop whanau, stating, “Connor was an extremely gifted young man who remains dearly missed by his teammates, coaches and the wider New Zealand rugby community.”

At the Highlanders’ first Super Rugby Pacific home game following his death, a poignant moment occurred when fans at Forsyth Barr Stadium and players on the field joined together to sing Garden-Bachop’s favourite song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.

A Promising Rugby Career Cut Short

Connor Garden-Bachop was an exciting outside back who carved out a notable career in New Zealand’s premier rugby competitions. His provincial career saw him play for the Wellington Lions and Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship (NPC). He made his debut for the Highlanders in 2021, becoming the club’s 300th player and earning the Rookie of the Year award.

His talent was further recognised when he was selected for the Maori All Blacks in 2022, making his debut during a two-test series against Ireland.

His brother, Jackson Garden-Bachop, has also enjoyed a successful rugby career and is currently signed with Moana Pasifika. The brothers are sons of former All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop, who sadly passed away in 2009 after a battle with cancer. Their uncle, former All Black Graeme Bachop, is also a well-known figure in New Zealand rugby.