New Zealand rugby player Jerry Collins and his wife Alana Madill were tragically killed in a car crash this morning, while their two-month-old daughter Ayla has been airlifted to a hospital in Montpellier.
According to French publication Midi Libre, the couple's car collided with a bus in the early hours of this morning; the former All Blacks star and his wife died instantly. However, the Collins' young daughter was pulled from the wreckage and taken to hospital were she is said to be in a critical condition.
Speaking to Stuff.co.nz, Tim Castle - Collins' agent - said: "It is a travesty. Both Jerry and has partner have been killed. Their three-month-old baby is very badly injured. It is devastating news for his family and everybody."
The news has since prompted an outpouring of tributes to the late All Blacks star and his wife from family, friends and fans. Meanwhile, the All Blacks official Twitter account has since expressed their shock and grief at the news of their former team mate's passing, posting: "We are shocked and saddened by reports about the accident involving Jerry."
Collins, who retired from international rugby in 2008, had just recently joined French team Narbonne earlier this year.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the Collins family and friend at this sad time.