A 38-year-old cricket star who was fit and healthy has suddenly died. Being remembered for his “zest for life,” the cricketer leaves behind his wife and baby daughter.
Dave Orange, who was from Brisbane, Australia, but lived up north in Hendra, passed away last Wednesday from “natural causes,” leaving his 33-year-old wife Kerry devastated and his seven-month-old daughter Eylea fatherless.
The cause of Orange’s unexpected death is currently unknown. His family is waiting for a coroner’s report, according to the Daily Mail.
Orange, who was a member of the South Brisbane District Cricket Club playing A-grade cricket, is being hailed for his “real zest for life, a larger than life personality- constantly paired with a massive smile.”
“We believe Dave was the best of us,” a GoFundMe in his memory reads.
Mystery after fit and healthy father Dave Orange from Brisbane suddenly drops dead leaving behind his wife and seven-month-old daughter https://t.co/3UMmMl1gDV
— Daily Mail Australia (@DailyMailAU) August 17, 2023
“He was an aspiring entrepreneur, an avid sportsman, one of the great loyal friends and an amazing family man. He will be sorely missed by many, many people,” the GoFundMe page continues.
Raising over $77,000 so far, the fundraiser is meant to help financially support his wife in managing the “burden of the significant expenses associated with raising a young child alone.”
Orange was also a successful entrepreneur, running a business named Orange Electrical and just selling a business called Glow Worm Lighting. (RELATED: Former Olympic Swimmer Helen Smart Dies At 43)
The South Brisbane District Cricket Club, who Orange played with for seven seasons, paid tribute on Facebook.
“He was one of the best team mates/club mates you could ask for, which was reflected in the many lifelong friendships he created throughout his time at the nest,” read a statement from the team. “His loss is shocking and devastating, as a club we will continue to honour him and the friendship circles he created will live on.”