A Bristol rugby star says his life will "never be the same again" after his 24-year-old brother died from a suspected heart attack.
Jake Polledri, a former Bristol Rugby player who now plays for Gloucester, announced the tragic passing of his brother Sam on Instagram with "eyes filled with tears." Jake, who is the son of Bristol Rugby legend Peter Polledri and grew up in Stoke Bishop, said "a chunk of me and my family has been stolen so cruelly."
"With my eyes filled with tears I write that my brother @sam_polledri, aged 24, has passed away of a suspected heart attack," he wrote. "It is difficult to put my feelings into words. I feel like a chunk of me and my family has been stolen so cruelly.
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"Sam was my brother, my best friend and a massive supporter of me always! He had so many plans, a lot of love to give & so many things yet to achieve."
26-year-old Jake who plays for the Italy national rugby union team, and for Gloucester in Premiership Rugby, said his "life will never be the same again."
He continued: "Sam lit up any room he walked into. Selfless, funny & kind. I’m so sorry that his life has been robbed. Life will never be the same again. He has taught me so much and I will carry this with me in every step of my life.
"Rest in peace mio fratello! Till we meet again."
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