Qld: Friends, school pay tribute to rugby player

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2009
Qld: Friends, school pay tribute to rugby player

By David Barbeler

BRISBANE, Aug 3 AAP - A southeast Queensland teenager who died after a rugby training
mishap was a "strong Christian" who advocated for the underdog, his school principal says.

Lewis Moss, 16, died in Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital on Sunday.

He had been in intensive care for 11 days after suffering severe head injuries from
a training accident at the Christian Outreach College in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

School principal Mark Butlin said the community was mourning a student, brother, friend,
football player and talented drummer.

"Lewis was a friend to many, who never had a bad thing to say about anyone," Mr Butlin said.

"His life, whilst tragically cut short at such a young age, will always be remembered
for his devotion to others, advocating for the underdog and his love for his family.

"Lewis was a strong Christian young man who lived out his faith every day."

Mr Butlin said while the college had completed its investigations, the medical authorities
were continuing with "routine procedures".

The school was providing counselling to students.

"I take this opportunity to thank God for Lewis's inspirational life and his positive
contribution to our college," Mr Butlin said.

On Lewis' MySpace webpage, he described himself as a drummer in an "awesome" four-piece
Christian band called "4 His Glory".

He also said he one day wanted to grow up and have kids.

"(I have also) just joined another absolutely awesome band with three sweet friends
from school (and we are) called `My Only'," Lewis wrote on July 17 - just days before
the accident took place.

"I love my friends and I love football, and pretty much every sport."

Lewis' friends have left over a dozen heartfelt messages on the MySpace page since
he went into hospital 11 days ago.

The most recent is from one of his best friends, known as Jamin Young, 17, who paid
tribute to Lewis by saying he was one of the nicest guys he knew.

"All I really want to say is that I am and have always been nothing but proud to call
you one of my best mates," he wrote.

"Party it up for me in heaven bro. I love you man. Goodbye."

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