After the Olympian’s death from a brain aneurysm last week, Duncan Pugh’s family was left “heartbroken and just lost for words.”
According to an obituary written by The West Australian, Pugh passed away on January 25 at the age of 48 in his Perth home from a cerebral haemorrhage. His two young sons and wife, McKenzie, are left behind.
“We are heartbroken and simply lost for words. Taken far too soon,” wrote his widow in an online post. “You were the rock of our family and wore your heart on your sleeve. You were so very proud of our two boys, the best dad anyone could have hoped for.
“Your passion and determination will forever live on in our boys. You made me feel the centre of your world. We hope you’re hanging out up there with Dougie. Love you always, your loving wife Kenz, boys Charlie and George and furbaby Lola.”
Pugh, a hurdling enthusiast, participated in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. But a collision early in the two-man race led to a concussion, which also eliminated him from the four-man competition.
The brakeman only began competing in bobsled in Austria in 2007, making his debut at the European Cup the following year. It only took him a few years to reach the sport’s summit. The pinnacle of his athletic career came in 2009 at the America’s Cup in Calgary, Canada, where he shared the bronze medal with fellow Australian Chris Spring.
In his own time, Pugh also worked as a volunteer rugby coach and surf lifeguard. Pugh taught at Newman College in Perth, which described the Olympian as “well loved” in his line of work and urged followers to pray for his family.
“Our small bobsleigh family has taken a big hit this week with the passing of Pughie – Duncan Pugh Vancouver 2010 Olympian, was and will always be remembered as a legend,” read a Facebook post from Bobsleigh and Skeleton Australia. “A fantastic father to his boys, a beloved husband, son, brother and uncle to his family.
“An Olympian with a continued passion for sport. He was adored and highly respected as a teacher and loved by all his friends. Anyone that had a one-on-one conversation with Dunc will know exactly how easy it was to feel comfortable in his presence and grateful for his friendship.”
