Reported that Cooper Ratten aged 16 was killed in a car crash earlier today. Sad and shocking news and my condolences to the family

How [censored] awful, always thought Ratts a better coach than he was given credit for and was hard done by, but that's a walk in the park to what he has in front of him. Horrible news, hope he and his family get the support they will need from the football community (and others)

Horrible news... can't even begin to imagine what he must be going through.

This year is cursed.

Poor Bloke

Tragic news. So young. Sending my prayers and condolences to the Ratten family.

This puts the whole game of footy into true perspective

Very sad news. He became a somewhat troubled boy, I believe. Featured unnamed on TV last year for all the wrong reasons. Freakishly talented sports wise according to some, such a waste of a young talented life.

Reports this evening saying the driver was a 17 year old learner high on Ice and they were in a stolen car.

Tragic!

Seriously, what does it take for kids especially ( or anyone) to see that Grog, Drugs, Cars and Speed are a lethal combination ! If this is the case here all the more tragic for The Ratten Family and football world.

I am thoroughly sick of reading about our young people thinking they are bulletproof and that life is a game of Russian Roulette!

Banning high powered cars for "P" platers and a Night Curfew might be in part the answer.

A concerted Education program from Primary school grade Prep right through to senior levels might also help.

But All these things aren't going to make 1 Shred of difference when someone doesn't think, has a massive Brain fade, steals a car for a lark, goes for a Innocent joyride and then, well you know the rest.

It all comes back to making good decisions in life consistently. The more you make the luckier sometimes you get!

Then if you sustain a bit of luck you might live to an old age.

Tragic for Brett Ratten and anyone else who has been touched by this trauma!

Condolences!

Edited August 16, 201510 yr by picket fence

Absolute tragedy, condolences to Brett and his family.

Feel sorry for the Ratten family, but any combination of speed, drugs, alcohol, an unlicensed driver, no seatbelts, bad weather and teenagers with death wishes is always going to end poorly. Just lucky they didn't take any innocent people out with them.

Reports this evening saying the driver was a 17 year old learner high on Ice and they were in a stolen car.

so sorry Brett Ratten & family, & loved ones.... I've been feeling very sad about this, as a I really like & respect the Ratts; this is tragic.

these drugs that aggravate people are a scourge to all of us.

-------------------------------

on the flip side, this could have happened to almost any of us in our youth back in the 70's, apart from this aggressive drug.

I remember when I was 16 going out in another players car, one of the older kids borrowed one of our senior player cars, without him knowing, whilst we were on a long weekend sports carnival, up in the regions.

no speeding was done, just joy riding, but a drunk driver did come the other way on the wrong side of the road..... our driver was up to the task, that evening.

......... the explaining after, when he needed to show the license the next day to the cops was, awkward. can't remember now, how the owner spoke to the young player...

are the freedoms of the day... I would Not replace them for AnyThing... but at this stage, they have been taken away.

DHEA is the maker & the breaker of youth.

Edited August 17, 201510 yr by dee-luded

This is a tragedy that happens far, far too often. I lost a mate in a similar fashion last year and it happens so frequently but kids still don't think about it before they get behind the wheel. It is bloody horrible for all involved and the families of the those involved the accident. I just wish they'd think about the consequences before doing stuff like this. Riles me.

RIP Cooper, condolences to the Ratten family.

Puts life into perspective ...we cry over a100 pt loss ...

Hug your kids.....

Puts life into perspective ...we cry over a100 pt loss ...

Hug your kids.....

absolutely... hug them, but don't stop them from taking lifes challenges on. there aren't any guarantees, nor should there be. life comes with risk, & with disease.

but freedom & having fun, is priceless... without it, life isn't worth living

So young, so naive, so tragic, such a waste. As a parent I can't begin to imagine how I would feel in Brett Ratten's shoes. Heartfelt sympathy to all those who were close to young Cooper.

Edited August 17, 201510 yr by Deeoldfart

Just wanted to bump this for some much needed perspective

Heart breaking stuff watching Ratten speak at his sons funeral. What a tragedy when a parent has to bury their child.

Feel gutted for him. Ratts is a great bloke, met him a couple of times and he was always so genuine.

Our footy heartache is so insignificant when compared what he must be feeling. Our pain may last for a year or 2, his will last for the rest of his life.