Kato Ottio social media tributes

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Wed 10 Jan 2018, 10:13 AM

Raiders pay tribute to Kato Ottio

Tributes have been pouring in for Kato Ottio after the former Raiders and Kumuls winger tragically lost his life on Tuesday after collapsing during a road run over the weekend.

Ottio never played first grade for Canberra but was a part of the full time squad and starred for feeder club Mounties before agreeing to join Super League club Widnes for 2018.

The incident occurred shortly before Ottio was to depart his native Papua New Guinea where he had been training with the PNG squad and fellow Widnes-bound Kumul Wellington Albert.

His sudden passing has left the 23-year-old's former friends and teammates in shock with many posting heartfelt tributes on social media.

Rest Easy Big Katsy. You will be sadly missed, but you and your big smile will never be forgotten 💚💛🖤

A post shared by Jarrod Croker (@jarrodcroker) on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:14pm PST

Rest easy big katsu chicken absolutely shattered hearing the news this morning!! Like everyone has Said, not a single day went by that u didn't have a smile that lit up the room, gone way to soon brother, will never forget ya u beast ❤❤❤❤❤

A post shared by Jordan Rapana (@jordoboorr) on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:53pm PST

The Canberra Raiders are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of former player Kato Ottio. RIP.

📝 https://t.co/fudDdAaEd1 pic.twitter.com/scOLPONKmH
— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) January 8, 2018

The NSWRL is shocked and saddened by the passing of former @MountiesRLFC winger, Kato Ottio.

Rest in peace.

📝 https://t.co/tntHzQNe9t pic.twitter.com/9gLoreLY7T
— NSW Rugby League 🏉 (@NSWRL) January 8, 2018

On days like this, you see the incredible community in our great sport. Thank you to everyone who has shared their respect for Kato. We will ensure that his family knows about the great kindness from supporters across the world. #RIPKato ⚫️⚪️ 🇵🇬 pic.twitter.com/GbJt41hFdc
— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) January 8, 2018

We are extremely shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of Kumul #269 Kato Ottio. PNGRFL statement: https://t.co/2oNkReWvpo #PNG #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/Yz1OvFMWKM
— PNG Kumuls (@PNGKumulsRL) January 8, 2018

Absolutely devastated to hear the passing of my Kumul brother Kato Ottio. He was one of most humble and kind hearted people I have ever known. Lau kudougu ai bonoho hanaimu. Forever in my heart. Love you brother Rest In Peace. I will miss you Katzy Mero ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lWSOoPGiMM
— David Mead (@davidmead411) January 8, 2018

Shocked to hear the passing of a big talent Kato Ottio. Thoughts and prayers are with his family & friends. #MelanesianFamily #RugbyLeagueFamily https://t.co/sxVyw0oGS7
— Ashton Sims (@ashtonsims26) January 8, 2018

Can’t take a day for granted. Awful news to hear, Rest In Peace mate. Thoughts to all friends and family. 🙏🏻 https://t.co/qqV635ZA0X
— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) January 9, 2018

Devastating news about Kato Ottio, taken too young. Definitely hits home how precious life is. Thoughts are with all his family and friends, RIP.
— Tyrone McCarthy (@TykeMc) January 8, 2018

Shattered to hear the news about katsy. Wasn’t a day he wasn’t smiling, gone way too soon. Prayers with all his family. 😢

A post shared by Blake Austin (@blakeaustin6) on Jan 8, 2018 at 12:31pm PST

Truly tragic hearing of the passing of Katsy this morning. I can’t fathom what this tragic time is like for his family and friends in PNG. Our Raiders family is still coming to terms with the news. For me personally, it was an absolute privilege to have known you, as well as play alongside you on the right side for Mounties. I have many fond memories of you Katsy, and I know that big infectious smile will always beam down on us from above. Love you bro ❤️😔

A post shared by Michael Oldfield (@ooooldy) on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:53pm PST

Widnes Vikings is raising money to support Ottio's family, lend your support at crowdfunder.co.uk