A local Wellington football team is in mourning, after its captain collapsed and died during a match on Saturday.
North Wellington Onslows captain Tim Robertson was giving his side a half-time speech at Alex Moore Park in Johnsonville against the North Wellington Zimmers in the over-35s section, when he collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack.
A first aid team and paramedics attended to the 50-year-old for 40 minutes, but he did not respond.
According to teammates, Robertson had shown no previous signs of heart problems, and was generally fit and healthy.
Manager and teammate Matthew Leach said the team was still in a state of shock the following day.
"We were just about to go back out onto the field and, bang, down he went," he told Stuff.
"People are struggling, big time, to try and get a handle on it. It's hard work.
"He was just a joy to know and to be associated over the years I've been with the team. He's going to be missed an awful lot."
On its Facebook page, Wellington United said that the father of six would be missed, but never forgotten.
"Even during his own game, his mind was on his family... sending messages to see how Michaela and the Diamonds were going," the post reads. "This epitomises Tim and the love that he has for his family and friends.
"Our thoughts, prayers and love are with Tim's wife, Lynda, and their children, Jemma, Michaela, Holly, Emily, Danielle and Josh, their family, friends and Tim's North Wellington teammates."
A Givealittle page has been set up to assist the family with costs in the wake of the tragic event.
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