North Ipswich Tigers fullback Jesse Zampech, 27, has died after a serious accident in Ipswich on June 20. Queensland Police are preparing a report for the coroner following a non-suspicious death, as the rugby league community honours the player he represented
The North Ipswich Tigers community has been left reeling after fullback Jesse Zampech died at 27, days after the accident that shattered the life of a player, partner and father.
Zampech suffered serious injuries in the crash on June 20 and spent several days in intensive care with significant swelling to his brain. His family later said they had been forced to prepare for the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye.
Queensland Police confirmed they are preparing a report for the coroner following the non-suspicious death of a 27-year-old man in Ipswich on June 26. For a footy club built on loyalty and routine, the timing has made the loss even more difficult to process.
Zampech leaves behind his fiancée, Teigan Wells, and their two young children, Zion and Indy. A fundraising campaign launched to support the young family has already raised more than $95. 000. with hundreds of people donating to help cover living expenses. funeral costs and to provide financial stability in the years ahead.
In a tribute posted by Zampech’s family. he was described as “an incredible father” whose family was his “entire world.” They wrote: “Most importantly. Jesse is an incredible father to his two beautiful children. Zion and Indy. and a devoted fiancé to Teigan.” His family added that “His family is his entire world. and they were his greatest pride and purpose.”.
The message also reflected on a personality teammates and friends would recognise instantly—someone who always put others first. “Anyone who knows Jesse knows what a special person he is,” the family wrote. “He has a heart of gold, an infectious laugh, and a way of bringing light into every room he enters.”.
The tribute portrayed Zampech as deeply loyal and protective of the people he loved. “Jesse is incredibly loyal and would do anything for the people he loves,” it said. “He is the first to lend a hand, stand up for others, and put his family before himself.”
For many in Ipswich Rugby League, that devotion was familiar long before the accident. Zampech had a lifelong connection to North Ipswich Tigers, joining when he was six years old. His family wrote: “Footy has also been a huge part of Jesse’s life.” They described the club as becoming like “a second family. ” whether he was pulling on the jersey. cheering from the sidelines. or sharing laughs with teammates and lifelong mates.
North Ipswich Tigers echoed that sentiment in their own tribute, saying Zampech embodied everything the club stands for. The club said: “Jesse. often wearing the number 1 jersey. he represents everything our club stands for.” They added that his “commitment. loyalty and passion have left a lasting mark on our teammates. supporters and everyone fortunate enough to know him.” Their statement also included the words: “Once a Tiger. always a Tiger.”.
In the same period, Springfield Panthers presented North Ipswich Tigers with a No.1 jersey to honour Zampech, a gesture that quickly became one more sign of how widely he was valued beyond a single club.
Zampech’s younger brother Brad also paid tribute, describing him as both his best friend and role model. “My brother is loved by so many, this loss will affect so many people,” Brad wrote. He added: “Jesse is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met and would do anything for his family and friends.” Brad ended with: “Thank you for always being my best friend and role model. I love you forever bro.”.
Their father, Matt Zampech, thanked the wider community for support during the family’s grief. “Jesse was the rock and lifeblood of this family and cared for everybody else and made sure every person he came across felt good about themselves first. ” he wrote. “Our whole family would like to say a huge thank you for all the encouraging words. thoughts. prayers and offer of support in our time of need.”.
Across the rugby league community, tributes continued to pour in. Former school teammate and Cronulla Sharks star Ronaldo Mulitalo remembered Zampech on social media, writing: “Great team mate and even better person.” His message concluded: “Rest in love brother Pecks.”
The club and competition also made room for remembrance. North Ipswich Tigers postponed their senior fixture after Zampech’s death. while minutes of silence were observed across the Ipswich Rugby League competition. Before junior matches. players. coaches. referees. families and supporters gathered to honour him. with Springfield Panthers Under-15s presenting North Ipswich with a No. 1 jersey in tribute.
In the middle of training schedules and match-week routines, one injury turned into a silence that can’t be filled. Now. in Ipswich. the question everyone is trying not to ask is the same one everyone is carrying—how quickly a familiar football life can be taken. leaving a fiancée and two children to face a future without the father they were still counting on.
Jesse Zampech North Ipswich Tigers rugby league Ipswich Queensland Police coroner Teigan Wells Zion Indy fundraising No. 1 jersey Ipswich Rugby League