Sometimes the world doesn’t make any sense – this is one of those times.
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A fit, healthy, much-loved and respected 19-year-old with his entire life ahead of him dies suddenly.
Meanwhile, around the world a gunman killed a Canadian soldier and attacked the country’s parliament house, ISIS continues to cause havoc in the Middle East and a man armed with a machete holds up a Thornton newsagent.
Something doesn’t quite add up, the equilibrium feels out and, put simply, it just doesn’t seem fair.
Tributes have flowed for Harry Hofman following the shock of his death.
Harry was at his Beresfield home when he collapsed from suspected heart failure and despite the best efforts of medical staff was unable to be revived.
He died at the Mater Hospital about 4pm surrounded by family, friends and teammates from the Maitland Pickers.
They were the same teammates he played with this year after graduating to senior rugby league as part of the Pickers reserve grade squad.
They were the same teammates he stood side-by-side with in last year’s under-18 grand final after claiming a minor premiership crown.
And they were the same teammates he started with all those years ago as a junior at the Beresfield Bears.
From all accounts Harry was a talented and versatile player with a long career at Maitland to look forward to.
But more than sport the overriding sentiment has been about Harry himself – “a great young kid”, “a wonderful young man” and “without a bad word to say”.
The number of people present at the hospital and East Maitland Bowling Club to come to terms with the news of his death on October 21 showed the esteem Harry was held in.
Many more will gather at his funeral next week as the community comes to grips with the unexpected turn of events and a young life cut way too short.
Sometimes the world doesn’t make any sense – this is one of those times.
Initial autopsy findings indicated the young man’s spleen had ruptured; the cause is yet to be determined and the family awaits further pathology results.
Harry will be farewelled at a funeral at the Beresfield Crematorium on Wednesday at 10am.
Vale Harry Hofman.
The Maitland Pickers will pay tribute Harry Hofman at the their presentation at Maitland District Leagues Club on Saturday night.
The 19-year-old Pickers player died suddenly on Tuesday and the Pickers are preparing a slide show with photographs to recognise him on the night.
The event starts at 6.30pm.