Devon female rugby player dies after head injury in training session

Lily Partridge, 23, a zookeeper and teaching assistant, described as a “brilliant star” by her family, sustained the injury during the session in Devon and collapsed on the side of the pitch.

She was airlifted to hospital but her life-support machine was turned off approximately 24 hours later at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital.

Her parents, Jeff and Liz, and her younger sister Lauren said Partridge carried two donor cards and her organs had been donated to help others.

They said: “Hopefully one, two, three or more people will have a better quality of life, thanks to Lily. She has given this gift of life to several people, which is the best present ever, especially at this time of year. She has given all her life, and still gave even after her death.

“That was Lily all over, selfless. She picked up her first donor card when she was a pupil at Torquay girls’ grammar school and then another one at the Devon county show. She crammed so much into her 23 years. We are so proud of everything she did.

The team’s captain, Katie Lunnon, said Partridge had suffered a couple of concussions previously but had taken the recommended time-out from playing and had seen a doctor. Lunnon said: “She took a month off and was symptom-free before she returned to playing.”

The circumstances behind the injury are still unclear but Lily was hurt on Sunday afternoon during a session with Devon Ladies at North Tawton’s rugby club on Dartmoor.

Partridge had played for the Exonians for about 18 months. In her player profile, she said: “I am a zoo keeper at Shaldon Wildlife Trust and I specialise in primates. I have always loved rugby – playing and coaching tag when I was younger – but never had an opportunity to play until Exonian Ladies was formed.”

Her family thanked and praised the people who tended to Partridge at the rugby pitch and the Exeter hospital medical staff who cared for her after she was flown there for treatment.
A statement from Topsham rugby club said: “We are devastated to hear that Lily Partridge, a talented, vivacious and universally loved founding member of Exonian Ladies rugby team, has died following a training session for Devon Ladies.

Guardian