Winter Olympics star Duncan Pugh dies aged 48 after brain aneurysm

31 January 2023 , 14:40

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Duncan Pugh (rear) competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver (Image: Getty Images)

The family of Australian bobsledder Duncan Pugh has been left "heartbroken and simply lost for words" after the Olympian died from a brain aneurysm last week.

An obituary published by The West Australian confirmed Pugh died on January 25 at the age of 48 after suffering from a bleed on the brain in his Perth home. He is survived by his wife, McKenzie, and two young sons.

“We are heartbroken and simply lost for words. Taken far too soon,” wrote his widow in an online post. “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. You made me feel the centre of your world. We hope you’re hanging out up there with Dougie. Love you always, your loving wife Kenz, boys Charlie and George and furbaby Lola.”

Pugh—who hailed from a hurdling background—competed at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. However, a crash early on in the two-man race caused a concussion that also forced him out of contention for the four-man event.

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It took the brakeman only a few years to reach bobsled's pinnacle after only taking up the sport in Austria in 2007, debuting at the European Cup later that year. He won bronze alongside fellow Aussie Chris Spring at the 2009 America’s Cup in Calgary, Canada, in what was the highlight of his sporting career.

Winter Olympian Duncan Pugh died at the age of 48 on January 25 (Getty Images)

Pugh also mirrored as a surfing lifesaver and volunteered as a rugby coach in his spare time. Newman College in Perth, where Pugh was a teacher, said the Olympian was "much loved" in his profession and asked followers to pray for his family.

“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,” read a Facebook post from Bobsleigh and Skeleton Australia. “A fantastic father to his boys, a beloved husband, son, brother and uncle to his family.

“An Olympian with a continued passion for sport. He was adored and highly respected as a teacher and loved by all his friends. 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.”

A GoFundMe page set up by a family friend to help with funeral bills and medical expenses has already raised more than £26,000.

Tom Sunderland