Tributes have poured in for a much loved family man and a champion of the Donnybrook Football Club who tragically lost his life after a trail bike accident at the weekend.
Thirty-three-year-old Chris Sheehan was riding with his younger brother Josh when his bike collided with a tree on an off-road bush track near the Balingup Golf Course in Mullalyup at 1:30pm on Saturday.
Police said he sustained serious injuries and died at the scene of the crash.
Chris was a life member of the Donnybrook Football Club and president David Wedderburn said everyone involved with the club was shocked by the news of his passing.
“It was with immense sadness that we learned of the tragic death of club legend Chris Sheehan,” Mr Wedderburn said.
“Our thoughts are with his family and fiancée at this terrible time.
“Chris was the heart and soul of our club; he was an inspirational leader and the bravest of the brave - go the Mighty Dons.”
Chris played more than 200 games for the club and captained Donnybrook for five seasons.
Mr Wedderburn said he was widely respected and known for his tenacity.
Members of the football club described him “as tough as a box of hammers” and “as hard as concrete” and said Chris always showed a ferocity for the contest.
They said he was a skilful player with a “never give up” attitude and a lovely, long kick.
Members of the club posted heartfelt tributes to Chris and passed on their condolences to his family on Facebook following the tragic incident.
The community showed an outpouring of emotion and support on Sunday when friends and teammates gathered at the club to pay tribute to the much loved player.
Donnybrook Shire President Steve Dilley said Chris would be sorely missed, as he was the lifeblood of the community.
“Chris is one of Donnybrook’s favourite sons and a champion of the local football club,” Mr Dilley said.
“I would ask that the community give the family some space and respect their privacy at this dreadful time.”
His brother Josh, who won the 2014 Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour title, described Chris as a “flat-out person” who was an inspiration to everyone.
People took to social media to show their respects in an outpouring of condolences to Donnybrook man Chris Sheehan’s family following his tragic death.
Some of the comments posted by people are as follows:
All the best for the Sheehan family and the people who was involved with the accident. Chris was an amazing mentor to all of us up coming young footballers.
Posted online by Oscar Seel.
Sincere condolences to the Sheehan and Donnybrook football families.
From the Chapman family.
Chris. So tough and great on the field, so gentle and great to all off the field. Made me feel so welcome at D.F.C. all the time. Your now riding high with my Dad. Never forgotten mate. R.I.P.
Posted online by Kyle Daniels.
Chris was one of a kind and will be missed by so many, but no one more so than his family and his fiancee. Deepest sympathy to the Sheehan family and Danika. May you find inner strength during this incredibly difficult time.
Briony Cain and girls.
Our hearts are sad, the tears keep flowing, such a sad loss of a great man who my son looked up to each and every week on and off the field, condolences and much love to the Sheehan family and everyone who loved Crackers, you will be sadly missed but never forgotten and we know u will be with us looking on from above when we kick arse in the finals mate. You legend. RIP Chris.
From the Beggs and Cavallaro family.
Heartfelt Sympathy to the Sheehan Family and Cooke Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Chris.
Deb Sharp and family.
Deepest sympathy to the Sheehan family & Danika. We were having such a great day. Our lives all changed in that split second. Sheeny, what awesome guy, you will be surely missed. Sending love and strength to family and friends.
Morty and Linda.
All our love and deepest sympathies to all the Sheehan family, Chris will be sincerely missed by all, a true legend and all round great bloke Number 25.
Love The Anderson family.
It was a privilege to have coached Chris, and an even greater one to have called him a friend.
We have been deeply saddened by the loss of this great bloke. Words do not seem enough to express our sorrow at this tragic event.
Our deepest sympathies to the Sheehan family, Danika, the DFC and the many who loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
One of the best, now and always. Our memories of you will never fade.
Kurt and Shenai Haunold
Our hearts are filled with such sadness. Deepest sympathy to Tom, Julie, Ema, Kate, Josh and Jess and all the Sheehan family's. Also to Danika and Cooke family, sending loving thoughts.
Venables family xxx
Thoughts to the family, of their precious son Chris. Thought of deepest sympathy, and prayers.
Also to my best of friends and Donnybrook community. Xxx
Robyn Wragge Biddle Beattie
Our thoughts go out to all the family and friends at this very sad time.
Rob, Di Cross and family
So very sad and tragic that Chris has passed away, such a well known and loved fella of the community and will be missed by so many . Our love and hearts go out to all the family Tom and Julie and his brother and sisters and also Danika our thoughts are with you all xxxxx
Lots of love Shaun Danie and family xx
Deepest sympathy to Sheehan family and Danika thinking of you all at this devastating time .
Vanessa Scott and family
Deepest sympathy to the Sheehan family, Danika and all in the Donnybrook Football club. Our thoughts are with you all at this very hard time.
Liz Burkett and Kathy Day - New Zealand
Sincere condolences to the Sheehan family and to Danika. Chris will be missed by so many people he was a fantastic bloke taken way too soon. Sending all our love and support.
Jimmy & Sarah Stewart
Deeply saddened of the tragic passing of Chris, legend and champion of the game. Sincere sympathy to the Sheehan family and Danika. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Sending all our love.
Joe and Helen Cristaldi and Family. xxxxx
My deepest sympathy to the Sheehan family and Danika thinking of you all at this very sad time may you RIP Chris
Karen Myczka
