'So much pain': Widow's devastating update after Kiwi rugby tragedy
The widow of late New Zealand rugby star Sean Wainui has admitted that she's struggling to cope with his loss in a heartbreaking new social media post.
New Zealand rugby was last week rocked by Wainui's tragic death after the 25-year-old died in a car crash.
'BLOOD EVERYWHERE': Wallabies great opens up on home invasion
'SPINE-TINGLING': Friends' powerful act after Kiwi star's tragic death
Bay of Plenty police said Wainui's car left the road and hit a tree at around 7:50am on Monday, October 18.
He is survived by his wife Paige, two-year-old son Kawariki Te Raiona and stepdaughter Arahia.
In just her second post since his death, Wainui's wife Paige made the devastating admission that his death has left her "in absolute pieces".
Paige's heartfelt tribute accompanied a video of her getting a tā moko (tattoo) in honour of her fallen husband.
“I don’t have the words right now or could begin to describe the feeling of losing you baby all I know is I don’t wish this on anyone,” she wrote in the caption.
“I’m in absolute pieces and in so much pain knowing my whole other half to me has left this earth.
“But I will forever celebrate you my love for being the most amazing and incredible husband & father you were and the special years we got to spend together on this earth.”
Family and friends gathered to farewell Wainui at Te Wainui Marae in Gisborne, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island on Sunday.
In her post, Paige also says she was deeply grateful for the overwhelming messages of love and support from loved ones.
“The awhi (love and care) has been out of this world. I am incredibly appreciative of you all thank you so much,” she said.
Sean and Paige were married in September last year and have son Kawariki and daughter Arahia together.
Sean Wainui's death rocks New Zealand rugby
Wainui was a well-liked figure in New Zealand who achieved representative honours, playing for the Maori All Blacks.
He set a Super Rugby record in June when he became the first player to score five tries in a single match, a 40-7 romp over the Waratahs at Brookvale Oval in Manly.
Wainui’s siblings Whitney and Luke Wainui were among those to deliver eulogies at the 25-year-old's funeral.
“The four of us were extremely close and we held each other like the walls of a whare (house). You will be surely missed but always remain close to our hearts,” Luke said.
Paige said on her Instagram story that laying her "soul mate" to rest was the hardest she will will ever have to do.
“Missing you so much my baby, I love you forever," she wrote.
“Not a second goes by where I’m not thinking of you my baby ... I know you’re looking over us forever.
“I’m so lost without you.”
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
