Much-loved rugby league cult hero Jason Death remains in hospital after a scary accident that resulted in bleeding on the brain.
Death, the uncle of NRL superstar Nathan Cleary, had a nasty fall at his home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, and was taken to intensive care a fortnight ago with a fractured skull.
Since then the NRL community has been rallying around the 54-year-old, with family friends organising a GoFundMe that has now raised more than $94,000.
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“He’s facing more surgeries and a long road to recovery,” the GoFundMe said.
“It’s been hard to ask for help, but the generosity of our community has inspired us. Jason and his family are some of the kindest people around, and now it’s our turn to support them. Any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated.
“The Deaths have a long road ahead, and we’d love to support them in any way we can. We don’t know his full recovery path yet, but with your help and positive thoughts, we know he’ll get through this.”
Cleary has also addressed the worrying situation around his father’s brother-in-law.
“He’s improving, thankfully,” Cleary said.
“With those types of things, it can be pretty scary and setbacks happen so quickly.
“My thoughts are obviously with him. The whole family is getting behind him.
“He’s had lots of visitors in hospital. He’s a very likeable man, and that’s been evident with the number of people that have visited him. “I’ve got plenty of love for him and thankfully he’s on the improve. But there is still a long way to go.”
Death once upon time had cult hero status among fans and the “Death Row” at the Warriors’ home stadium was iconic.
Death’s final season in the NRL was in 2004 when he was with South Sydney.
But he also gave great service for the Warriors, Canberra and North Queensland in a 201-game career.
