Coffs Harbour mourns young AFL star
AFL NSW/ACT would like to pass on our condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Nathan Harris, who died following a serious car accident in Coffs Harbour over the weekend.
Harris was placed on life support in a critical condition following the crash in Robin Street on Sunday around 2pm, but later died from his injuries.
An outstanding footballer, Harris was a key member of the local AFL North Coast community.
As captain of the U18 North Coffs Kangaroos, he led his side to this year’s Premiership, picking up Best on Ground honours along the way.
He was also named League and Club Best and Fairest winner.
Harris has been heavily involved in the AFL NSW/ACT Talent Program and participated in the AFL NSW/ACT U14 Academy, U15 and U16 Northern Heat teams at Riverview and the U18 Northern Coast team at Coffs Harbour.
AFL NSW/ACT North Coast Regional Manager Mark Heaney said it was a tragic loss for the community.
“We’re extremely saddened by the news of Nathan’s death, it will be very tough on the community up here and particularly to his friends and teammates,” he said.
Ballina-based police crash scene investigators are continuing to investigate the single-vehicle crash. Police said a red Nissan Pulsar, driven north on Robin Street, failed to negotiate a right-hand bend and left the roadway.
The car hit a fence and crashed down a stormwater drain where it came to rest on its roof.
The 17-year-old male driver and an 18-year-old female passenger escaped serious injury and the three occupants remained trapped in the vehicle until police and other emergency services arrived.
Harris was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics and conveyed to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital with major head and spinal injuries but later died in hospital.
