Tributes flow for Lockie

Tributes have flowed in for a young Harvey man taken too soon.

The Harvey community is still battling to come to terms with the shock of losing one of the town’s favourite sons.

Twenty-year-old Lachlan “Lockie” Hernaman collapsed on Tuesday night during a routine training session with the Harvey Bulls.

Lockie never regained consciousness and died in hospital just after 7pm.

Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Just two weeks earlier Lockie had graduated from his plumbing and gas fitting apprenticeship.

Lockie, his mum Mel and sister Kailee had arrived back from a family holiday in Melbourne where they watched four AFL games over the Anzac weekend.

Hundreds of tributes flowed onto social media, describing the talented young sportsman as a selfless and caring son, brother, grandson, nephew, mate and teammate.

Sympathies were also shared from sporting groups throughout the State.

Lockie’s mother and sister were special guests in the West Coast Eagles and Gold Coast Suns changerooms on Saturday night.

Mel Hernaman wrote a tribute letter about her son.

“Lockie, we love you so much, my favourite monster.

As a new-born being a tiny little two-pound premmy, you fought so hard to have your amazing life.

At just 20, way too early, you left us doing what you love.

An amazing, loving, kind young man who was adored by everyone you met.

You were regarded so highly and had a huge impact on so many lives.

Our memories will be treasured forever; our bond will never be broken.

Your sporting achievements through to becoming a qualified plumber and being the perfect son and brother, makes me forever proud.

We love you forever.

Love Mum and Kailee.”

Lockie’s father Michael Reynolds wrote to his son to “rest easy mate”.

”Lockie, our hearts are broken into a million pieces.

We will forever miss you. We were blessed to have such an amazing son and big brother and we will never recover from this loss.

Rest easy mate, til we meet again.

Love always Dad, Stace, Rory and Samara.”