The Queensland rugby league community is mourning the death of North Ipswich Tigers fullback Jesse Zampech after the 27-year-old died following a tragic accident.
Zampech suffered serious injuries in the accident on June 20 and spent several days in intensive care with significant swelling to his brain. His family later revealed they had been forced to prepare for the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye.
‘Police are preparing a report for the coroner following the non-suspicious death of a 27-year-old man in Ipswich on June 26,’ Queensland Police confirmed.
Zampech leaves behind his fiancée, Teigan Wells, and the couple’s two young children, Zion and Indy.
A fundraising campaign launched to support the young family has already raised more than $95,000, with hundreds of people donating to help cover living expenses, funeral costs and to provide financial stability in the years ahead.
The fundraiser described Zampech as an ‘incredible father’ whose family was his ‘entire world’.
Jesse Zampech has died aged 27, leaving behind fiancée Teigan and their young children Zion and Indy (pictured together) after a tragic accident
Norths Tigers Ipswich described Zampech (pictured) as everything the club stands for
Zampech’s family remembered him as an incredible father who was totally devoted to his partner and children
‘Most importantly, Jesse is an incredible father to his two beautiful children, Zion and Indy, and a devoted fiancé to Teigan,’ the family wrote.
‘His family is his entire world, and they were his greatest pride and purpose.’
The tribute described Zampech as someone who always put others first.
‘Anyone who knows Jesse knows what a special person he is.
‘He has a heart of gold, an infectious laugh, and a way of bringing light into every room he enters.
‘Jesse is incredibly loyal and would do anything for the people he loves. He is the first to lend a hand, stand up for others, and put his family before himself.’
The post also reflected on Zampech’s lifelong connection to the North Ipswich Tigers, where he first joined as a six-year-old.
‘Footy has also been a huge part of Jesse’s life,’ the family wrote.
Zampech’s younger brother described him as his best friend and role model in an emotional social media tribute
Jesse Zampech spent days in intensive care before his family faced the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye
‘A proud member of Norths Tigers since he was just six years old, the club became like a second family to him.
‘Whether he was pulling on the jersey, cheering from the sidelines, or sharing laughs with his teammates and lifelong mates, Jesse’s passion for the game and the community around it never faded.’
North Ipswich Tigers said Zampech embodied everything the club stands for.
‘Jesse, often wearing the number 1 jersey, he represents everything our club stands for,’ the club posted.
‘His commitment, loyalty and passion have left a lasting mark on our teammates, supporters and everyone fortunate enough to know him.
‘Like so many across our community, we have been deeply affected by the tragic events.
‘Our thoughts are with Jesse, his partner Teigan, his beautiful children Zion and Indy, and all of his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.’
The club ended its tribute with the words: ‘Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.’
Springfield Panthers presented North Ipswich Tigers with a No.1 jersey to honour Zampech
Zampech’s younger brother Brad also paid an emotional tribute, describing him as both his best friend and role model.
‘My brother is loved by so many, this loss will affect so many people,’ he wrote.
‘Jesse is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met and would do anything for his family and friends.
‘Thank you for always being my best friend and role model. I love you forever bro.’
Their father, Matt Zampech, thanked the wider community for its support during the family’s grief.
‘Jesse was the rock and lifeblood of this family and cared for everybody else and made sure every person he came across felt good about themselves first,’ he wrote.
‘Our whole family would like to say a huge thank you for all the encouraging words, thoughts, prayers and offer of support in our time of need.’
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the rugby league community.
North Ipswich Tigers postponed their senior fixture following Zampech’s death, while minutes of silence were observed across the Ipswich Rugby League competition.
Before junior matches, players, coaches, referees, families and supporters gathered to honour him, with Springfield Panthers Under-15s presenting North Ipswich with a No. 1 jersey in tribute to the popular fullback.
Former school teammate and Cronulla Sharks star Ronaldo Mulitalo also remembered Zampech on social media, writing: ‘Great team mate and even better person.’
‘Rest in love brother Pecks.’
