Scottish Parliament official dies during rugby game in Dublin
"He was the best and the pain is unbearable. We are broken."
An official from Scottish Parliament has died during a rugby game against Irish Government officials on Saturday (19 March).
David Hill, the Head of Office for Scottish Conservative MP Jamie Greene passed away during a match against a team comprising of members of the Dáil and the Seanad.
I post this message with a very heavy heart this evening. A short statement below on our friend and colleague David. Thoughts with everyone involved right now. pic.twitter.com/HAJsKSgEor
— Jamie Greene MSP (@jamiegreeneUK) March 19, 2022
"It is with the greatest sadness, shock and regret that I share the news of the sudden and tragic passing of my Head of Office, David Hill," Greene said.
"David was a friend, colleague, and confidant of so many in the Scottish Parliament over the years. No least to me personally.
"He loved his politics, but he loved his rugby more."
Our whole party is shocked and saddened by David’s tragic passing.
He was a kind, generous, well-liked and highly respected part of our team. We will all miss him dearly.
All our thoughts are with his family and friends. https://t.co/urfGNN9v1b— Douglas Ross MP MSP (@Douglas4Moray) March 19, 2022
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross shared his condolences with Hill's family in a statement online.
"Our whole party is shocked and saddened by David’s tragic passing," Ross said.
"He was a kind, generous, well-liked and highly respected part of our team. We will all miss him dearly.
"All our thoughts are with his family and friends," he concluded.
This is so terribly sad. My deepest condolences to David’s family, friends and colleagues - and of course to his @HolyroodRugby teammates who I know are all deeply shocked and heartbroken. https://t.co/3O4ZaLf2wW
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 19, 2022
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon described Hill's passing as "terribly sad."
"My deepest condolences to David's family, friends and colleagues - and of course to his Holyrood Rugby teammates who I know are all deeply shocked and heartbroken," she added.
Holyrood Rugby released a statement paying tribute to Hill, describing him as an "architect" for the revitalised team.
Statement: Holyrood Rugby are in mourning following the tragic passing of David Hill during our Parliamentary game against @DailandSeanadXV.
David was an architect of the revitalised Holyrood RFC, a great team-mate and tourist & of course, a man who loved his rugby. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/FpzkEZuyOL— Scottish Parliament R.F.C (@HolyroodRugby) March 19, 2022
Hill's father, Dumfries and Galloway Council member Rodger Hill shared his family's heartbreak over his son's death.
I can't believe I'm writing this. My amazing son David passed away today playing rugby in Dublin for the Scottish Parliament. He was the best and the pain is unbearable. We are broken. https://t.co/GBaXWof8ay pic.twitter.com/ZzrkbM6DRx
— Rodger Hill (@rodgerphhill) March 20, 2022
"I can't believe I'm writing this," Rodger said.
"My amazing son David passed away today playing rugby in Dublin for the Scottish Parliament.
"He was the best and the pain is unbearable. We are broken."
Hill also played for Dumfries Hill while at home, and was described as "rugby daft" by his family members.
