Olympic Bobsledder Duncan Pugh Dead at 48 After Sudden Brain Aneurysm

Australian bobsledder Duncan Pugh tragically passed away at the age of 48 after a sudden brain aneurysm last week.

‘We are heartbroken and simply lost for words,” his wife McKenzie wrote in his obituary. “Taken far too soon. You were the rock of our family and wore your heart on your sleeve. You were so very proud of our two boys, the best dad anyone could have hoped for. Your passion and determination will forever live on in our boys.”

On the sledder’s GoFundMe, his family also expressed the sentiments, “Anyone that had a one-on-one conversation with Dunc will know exactly how easy it was to feel comfortable in his presence and grateful for his friendship.”

The athlete began his career in bobsledding in 2007, and he quickly advanced in the sport. By 2009, he won bronze at the 2009 America’s Cup. In 2010, Pugh represented Australia at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. However, he was unable to fully participate as a bobsledder when he crashed during the two-man race and was concussed.

The bobsledding community mourns the loss of Duncan Pugh

Given his place on the Australian team, Bobsleigh and Skeleton Australia mourned the loss of the athlete.

“Our small bobsleigh family has taken a big hit this week with the passing of Pughie – Duncan Pugh, Vancouver 2010 Olympian, was and will always be remembered as a legend,” they wrote. “A fantastic father to his boys, a beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle to his family.”

RELATED: Damar Hamlin Makes First Public Speaking Appearance Since Going Into Cardiac Arrest on Jan. 2nd

In addition to his career in sports, Pugh was also a teacher at Newman College in Perth for the past 17 years. Following his death, principal Dr. Lucie McCrory actively mourned his death and notified students and staff of the substantial loss.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that our long-standing and highly respected secondary teacher, Mr. Duncan Pugh, passed away on 25 January 2023, following a brain aneurysm,” Dr. McCrory wrote in a statement, according to a local Australian news outlet.

“Duncan’s contribution to our Newman community is impossible to quantify. His involvement was extensive both at school and in extracurricular pursuits,” he continued. “His commitment to students and colleagues was unwavering.”

The principal concluded with the heartfelt message, “Duncan will be affectionately remembered as a significant member of the Newman community and will remain in our hearts for years to come.”