OSBORNE, NEW SOUTH WALES — The Osborne Football-Netball Club and the wider Riverina sporting community are mourning the death of Jed Griffin, a 25-year-old footballer who died following a quad bike accident at the Osborne Recreation Reserve in regional New South Wales.
Griffin died on Sunday afternoon after being struck by a goalpost while he was being towed by a quad bike, according to police and current reporting. Emergency responders attended the scene, but Griffin died from his injuries.
His sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief across the country football community, with teammates, opposing clubs and former clubs remembering him as a fiercely competitive player, loyal friend and much-loved member of the regional sporting community.
What Happened to Jed Griffin?
The fatal incident occurred at the Osborne Recreation Reserve, the home ground of the Osborne Football-Netball Club, south-west of Wagga Wagga.
Griffin was reportedly being towed by a quad bike when he struck a goalpost.
People at the scene attempted to assist before emergency services arrived, but Griffin died following the incident.
The circumstances have also resulted in criminal charges against a 20-year-old man who police allege was driving the quad bike.
The man has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner and negligent driving occasioning death. He was scheduled to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court.
Jed Griffin Was a Dedicated Osborne Footballer
Griffin was an established member of the Osborne senior football program and had developed a strong connection with the club.
His coach, Myles Aalbers, said Griffin had been coached by him for three years and described him as a determined athlete with a cheeky personality and quick wit.
Aalbers also remembered Griffin as one of the fiercest competitors he had encountered during his time in football.
Griffin’s commitment to Osborne extended beyond simply turning up on match day. His coach noted that he would drive past several other football clubs between home and Osborne in order to train and play for the team.
That commitment became one of the qualities teammates and club members remembered following his death.
His Final Match Came in the Hume Football Netball League Grand Final
The tragedy occurred only a day after Griffin represented Osborne in the Hume Football Netball League grand final against Henty.
Osborne lost the grand final by six points.
The match became Griffin’s final appearance for the club, adding another painful dimension to the loss for teammates who had shared the field with him only the previous day.
League records also document Griffin’s contribution during the 2025 season. He polled five votes for Osborne in the club’s match against Holbrook, evidence of his involvement at senior level.
Griffin Remembered for Football, Fishing and Hunting
Away from football, Griffin was remembered for his love of the outdoors.
Those close to him described his passion for fishing and hunting, as well as spending time with friends.
His coach said Griffin loved his mates and spoke warmly about the relationships he had developed within the football community.
The young footballer’s personality was also a major part of the tributes emerging after his death, with his cheeky smile and sense of humour among the memories shared by those who knew him.
Family and Sporting Community Mourn
Griffin’s death has affected not only Osborne but a network of football clubs across the Riverina and the NSW-Victoria border.
His coach identified his family as an important part of the Osborne football community, naming his parents Terry and Nicole and his sister Darby.
Griffin’s partner, Sophie, has also been named in tributes.
The Osborne community has rallied around those closest to him as players and supporters attempt to process the sudden loss.
Tributes From Fellow Football Clubs
The Henty Football Netball Club, which Griffin played against in his final match, expressed condolences to his family and the Osborne club.
Henty described the death as a tragic and heartbreaking loss and offered its support to everyone affected.
The Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club, where Griffin had played junior and senior football, also paid tribute, describing him as a spirited young man who was loved by many.
Other regional football communities, including the Rand Walbundrie Walla Giants, have also acknowledged Griffin’s death and the impact on his family.
The response reflects the close connections that exist between country football clubs, where players often have longstanding relationships extending across multiple teams and generations.
Osborne Football-Netball Club Focuses on Supporting Those Affected
In the aftermath of the accident, the Osborne Football-Netball Club has focused on supporting Griffin’s family, teammates and others affected by the tragedy.
Counselling support has also been made available to players and people within the football community dealing with the loss.
The circumstances have affected more than the senior playing group, with the broader Osborne community coming together during a particularly difficult period.
Jed Griffin Obituary and Funeral Details
At the time of publication, detailed funeral and memorial arrangements for Jed Griffin had not been publicly confirmed in the information reviewed.
Any announcement regarding a funeral, celebration of life, visitation or memorial service should be confirmed through Griffin’s family or the Osborne Football-Netball Club before publication.
Jed Griffin Death and Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jed Griffin |
| Age | 25 |
| Status | Deceased |
| Location | Osborne, New South Wales |
| Club | Osborne Football-Netball Club |
| Level | Senior football |
| Fatal incident | Quad bike accident |
| Accident location | Osborne Recreation Reserve |
| Circumstances | Griffin struck a goalpost while reportedly being towed by a quad bike |
| Date of death | Sunday, September 20, 2026 |
| Emergency response | Emergency services attended the scene |
| Cause of death | Fatal injuries sustained in the accident |
| Final football match | Hume Football Netball League grand final against Henty |
| Football interests | Senior and junior country football |
| Other interests | Fishing and hunting |
| Parents | Terry and Nicole |
| Sister | Darby |
| Partner | Sophie |
| Legal proceedings | A 20-year-old man has been charged in connection with the fatal incident |
| Funeral arrangements | Not publicly confirmed at time of publication |
A Lasting Loss for Country Football
Jed Griffin’s death has left Osborne Football-Netball Club without one of its committed senior players and has sent shockwaves through the wider country football community.
He is being remembered not only for his ability on the football field but also for his loyalty to friends, love of the outdoors and connection to the people around him.
For Osborne and the many clubs that knew Griffin, the focus now is on supporting his family, teammates and friends as they come to terms with a sudden and devastating loss.
Disclaimer: This obituary and accident report is based on information available at the time of publication. Accident circumstances, legal proceedings and other details may change as authorities continue their investigation and court proceedings. Funeral, memorial and visitation information should be confirmed through the family or the Osborne Football-Netball Club when officially released.