‘A legend’: Australian winter Olympian Duncan Pugh dies suddenly aged 48 Live Sports News

Pugh represented Australia at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and suffered a brain haemorrhage in his hometown of Perth.

He could not be saved.

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Tragically, he leaves behind his wife McKenzie and two young sons aged six and seven.

In an obituary published by The West Australian, McKenzie shared her sadness at the sudden passing of her husband.

“We are heartbroken and just at a loss for words. Taken way too soon,” she wrote.

“You were the rock of our family and you wore your heart on your sleeve. You were so proud of our two boys, the best father we could have hoped for. Your passion and determination will live on in our boys forever.

“You made me feel like the center of your world. We hope you’re hanging out up there with Dougie. I still love you, your beloved wife Kenz, boys Charlie and George and furbaby Lola.

Pugh, who has taught at Newman College Catholic School in Perth for the past 17 years and the school tweeted a tribute.

“Today we share with our community the tragic news of the passing of beloved teacher, Mr Duncan Pugh. This beautiful image was provided by his beloved wife McKenzie. Please keep McKenzie and his sons, Charlie and George in your prayers,” the tweet read.

Bobsleigh and Skeleton Australia also paid tribute to the former Olympian, saying he had “gone far too young”.

“Our little bobsleigh family took a big hit this week with the passing of Pughie – 2010 Vancouver Olympian Duncan Pugh was and will always be remembered as a legend,” he posted on Facebook.

“A fantastic father to his boys, a beloved husband, son, brother and uncle to his family.

“An Olympian with a lifelong passion for the sport. He was adored and highly respected as a teacher and loved by all of his friends. Anyone who 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.

Pugh, who started out as a hurdler, was introduced to bobsledding by a friend and made his international debut in 2007 at the age of 32.

He won bronze at the 2009 America’s Cup in Canada with Chris Spring.

He then qualified for the 2010 Vancouver Games but was knocked out in the first round when he and driver Jeremy Rolleston’s sled rolled over and saw them sliding down the course upside down.

Rolleston’s foot caught in the steering mechanism as he climbed into the sled and had barely regained control when the sled overturned.

Injuries saw the pair eliminated without further racing and then also withdraw from the four-man event.

family friend Levi Bristow set up a GoFundMe for the Pugh family and raised $43,640 to cover medical and funeral costs.