Zanaiya Bergen Death Stawell, AU Obituary – Football and Netball Community Mourns Young Player

The football and netball community is mourning the tragic death of Zanaiya Bergen, a 23-year-old player whose life was cut short following a crash while she was returning home from training.

Bergen was a player with the Navarre Football Netball Club and was involved across several regional sporting competitions, including the Wimmera Football Netball League, the Horsham & District Football Netball League and the Mininera & District Football League.

According to the tribute shared by the Navarre Football Netball Club, Bergen was killed following a crash on her way home from training on Thursday. Her sudden death has left teammates, coaches, friends and members of the wider sporting community grieving a devastating loss.

The impact of her passing was felt across the sporting community, with the Wimmera Football Netball League taking time to honour Bergen during a recent event. The league’s A and B grade teams observed a minute of silence in tribute to the 23-year-old, recognizing the loss of a young player who had been part of the competition.

Bergen’s teammates also faced an emotional challenge as they returned to competition following her death. Despite their grief, they bravely took the court and went on to win a premiership in her honour, turning the achievement into a deeply meaningful tribute to their teammate and friend.

For those who knew Zanaiya through football and netball, her passing represents more than the loss of a talented young player. It is the loss of a teammate, friend and valued member of sporting communities that she had been part of across the region.

The news has prompted an outpouring of sympathy for Bergen’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew her.

At just 23 years old, Zanaiya Bergen’s life was tragically cut short. Her sporting communities continue to remember her while supporting one another through the difficult days ahead.

Her teammates’ premiership victory will stand as a lasting tribute to Bergen, ensuring that her memory remains connected to the sport and the people she shared it with.