TRIBUTES flooded in after the tragic news broke late this afternoon that Nathan Berry had died. Racing NSW issued a released the extremely sad news on behalf of the Berry and Schofield families.
Berry, 23, fell ill last month in Singapore with what was later diagnosed as Norse Syndrome, an acute form of epilepsy.
The 23-year-old was flown back to Sydney last night with his wife Whitney, brother Tommy, mother Julie and father Kevin along with the Schofield family – Glyn and Tiffany.
Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys said the entire racing industry is extremely distraught with the news of Nathan’s passing.
“Sadness is not a sufficient word to describe this tragedy,” V’landys said.
“We are all very distressed and could not image the grief the family must be going through.
“This was a young man that had the world at his feet. He won the Magic Millions in January and rose to the top of the ranks so quickly that he was offered a contract to ride in Singapore.
“You would not meet a family more grounded and genuine than the Berry family. They are the most diligent and hard-working people I know.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the Berry and Schofield families and Nathan’s wife Whitney.”
Twitter world overflowed with tributes to Berry, who posted his biggest win -the Magic Millions withUnencumbered, a horse he partnered to all its five wins.
Hall Of Fame trainer Lee Freedman Tweeted: “Incredible sadness at Nathan’s passing.”
“One of our best young guns I have ever met. Berry and Schofield families our despair immeasurable.”
The Australian Jockeys Association Tweeted: “Nathan you will never be forgotten. A beautiful person. Our thoughts are with the Berry/Schofield families. RIP.”