UAE rugby community mourns loss of Beeton

The UAE rugby community mourned the loss of Dubai Exiles star Jonathon Beeton who was critically injured in a freak boating accident in June and died on Wednesday morning in Rashid Hospital ending a 47-day battle for his life.

The South African centre had been clinically brain dead following a fall from the top tier at a friend’s boat party onto the deck below on June 17.

A statement released on behalf of the Beeton family read: “It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Jonathan Beeton as a consequence of the traumatic injuries sustained during a boating accident on June 17, 2011.
 
“Jon, a devoted husband, cherished brother, beloved son, amazing friend and stoic rugby player, will be missed by all of those who knew him.
 
“We would like to thank the entire community, UAE national rugby team and its board members, the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club and everyone that has supported, contributed or offered well wishes during the recent weeks, particularly towards the fundraising efforts that have been organised.
 
“Please respect the family’s request for privacy during this time and funeral arrangements shall be communicated in due course.”

Beeton, the elder sibling of brother Warren and sister Nicole and son to Harry and Lynne, is survived by his 23-year-old wife Tammy.

Mike Cox-Hill, UAE rugby captain and Dubai Exiles coach, led the tributes to team-mate Beeton, affectionately known as 'Studente'.

He said in a statement: "Jon was a regular first team player for Exiles since 2007 and he established a quick reputation as a hard running, evasive and stoic opponent. He was selected by the UAE national side in the 2011 Asian Five Nations and became one of only a handful of players to complete every minute of every game in that campaign.
 
"Jon was known to many for his humility, kindness, courtesy and competitive nature and he will be sorely missed not only by all his teammates at Dubai Exiles and UAE Rugby but also by clubs and players who have met Jon as an opponent and friend in recent seasons."

Beeton became renowned for his breakaway which nearly resulted in a try for UAE during their 111-0 defeat at the hands of Japan in the Asian Five Nations clash at The sevens.

Japan's Kiwi coach John Kirwan posting a message via YouTube said: “We played him a few weeks ago and he had a really good game against us. We know that he was the type of player that was always going hard and fighting."
 
Directly addressing his wife, Kirwan said: “During this sad time, we just want you to know that the Japanese team’s thoughts are with you and you have all of our love. Good luck.”

Funeral arrangements will be notified shortly.

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