HUNTER teenager Jack Ryan has been remembered as a beloved son and brother, great mate and talented sportsman after he died suddenly in England.
The 18-year-old grew up in Maitland and began playing for the local rugby union club "pretty much as soon as he could" and was also a part of the Norths cricket family.
Jack was a student at Bolwarra Public School and Hunter Valley Grammar School before graduating from The King's School in Sydney in 2023.
He had been living in England on a gap year when his family shared the tragic news over the weekend that the "kind, generous and lovely young man" had been taken away far too young.
Grandfather James Ryan wrote a heartfelt tribute to Jack as messages of love, support and memories flooded in.
"I had the honour and privilege of knowing Jack from the moment he was born," he said.
"In wonder I watched as he blossomed into the lofty, self-assured, honest, confident, loving, kind, loyal, caring man whom so many fortunate individuals came to call a mate."
He said he had watched Jack mature from a child to a man, from a gifted student to a 'gappy', from a park rugby and cricket player to representing his region.
The boys from Jack's boarding house at The King's School, Macarthur Waddy, have rallied to help bring their mate home, in an effort that has deeply touched his loved ones.
Wanting to help in any way they could, the group started a Go Fund Me page, which has raised more than $41,000 in two days, for the friend they described as being "loved by all".
Maitland Rugby Club president Pat Howard told the Newcastle Herald the sporting community had lost a star - both on and off the field.
"It's devastating for our rugby family to lose one of our own," he said.
"Jack himself was one of the most genuine young men that anyone's ever met.
"He was just a great young guy in every sense of the word."
Mr Howard said Jack was thoughtful, caring, genuine, supportive of his teammates and everyone else in the rugby family, and although he was talented himself, he never thought he was better than anyone.
"He always looked you in the eye, always shook your hand," Mr Howard said.
Jack will be remembered in a special way on Saturday when the senior Maitland rugby teams take to the field for first and third grade grand finals.
Jack played representative rugby for the Hunter Wildfires, was heavily involved in Northern Suburbs Cricket Club and played cricket at a representative level as well.
"He was also a big part of Norths cricket club and they are missing him as much as we are," Mr Howard said.
"He was wise beyond his years and he will be sorely missed by everyone at Maitland Rugby Club and at Norths cricket."
A statement from The King's School on Monday described Jack as a friendly and caring young man who was a loved member of Macarthur Waddy, enjoyed cricket and spending time with his mates.
"It is always a tragedy to lose a young life so full of promise," it said.
Jack's father Peter was flying to England on Monday searching for answers, and to bring his son home to Australia, to his family.
"You packed a lot into your 18 years, and we are all better people for having you in our lives," a family post from his mother Kate, father, and brother Tommy said.
"We love you so much."
