VALE | Lance Thompson (1978-2018)
Former St George-Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla Sharks forward Lance Thompson has passed away at the age of 40.
Thompson was a well respected player during his fourteen year career, playing 69 games for St George Dragons before the club merged with the Illawarra Steelers in 1999 in which he ran out 132 times during six seasons. In 2006 he linked up with the Sharks and played 38 games, making a tearful admission that injury had got the better of him early into the 2008 season.
In 239 NRL appearances he scored 29 tries and kicked 18 goals for a total of 152 point.
Despite his talent, Thompson never appeared for New South Wales but was a regular in NSW City’s Origin side in making five appearances.
His passing has shocked the rugby league community, considering that Thompson recently appeared on The Fan with Andrew Voss and was running a restaurant.
TRIBUTES
I am absolutely numb at the news of Lance Thompson passing away.If you watched Lance on The Fan this year,you would appreciate what a genuine & hard working man he was. Shattered for his family.He proved you dont need to have won GF’s or played for your country to be a champion.
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) August 23, 2018
I sincerely hope Lance knew how many rugby league fans admired and respected him for what he achieved on and off the field in his career. So sad that this love could not sustain him. My heart breaks for his family. Rest in Peace. #LanceThompson pic.twitter.com/aQP9bWamJZ
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) August 23, 2018
Very sad to hear the passing of Lance Thompson overnight, one of my childhood favourites and a local hero who I looked up to and was lucky enough to get to know over the years, champion bloke and player. Rest In Peace Mate! pic.twitter.com/0K5yWQK3g7
— Keith Galloway (@kgalloway85) August 23, 2018
Latest word is that Lance Thompson’s death may have been a ‘medical incident’… not The Black Dog. Police still investigating. Either way, a tragedy.
— The Mole (@9_Moley) August 23, 2018
Terribly sad news of Lance Thompson’s passing. Had a beer with him last Thursday. My god! RIP Thommo. Thoughts with his family and friends
— Darryl Brohman (@therealbigmarn) August 23, 2018
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
More to come…
