Mackay had been in a critical condition after being hit by an armed response car in a Durban street in the early hours on March 29. Mackay suffered a cervical spinal fracture and dislocation, a fractured skull and broken leg.

Mackay was in a medically induced coma for a period before undergoing surgery to repair his injured spine. After surgery he was able to answer questions with a blink of an eye and it was hoped he would recover from his situation.

Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says while Mackay had shown positive signs of recovery from his injuries, a subsequent blood infection has claimed his life.

“Shawn contracted an infection of his bloodstream after his surgery.  He deteriorated rapidly, and suffered a cardiac arrest from which he didn’t recover.

The news has also hit hard the Sydney Roosters community as Mackay has spent time at the Rugby League club and Shawn’s father John Mackay played 94 games for Eastern Suburbs in the 70s and 80s. Shawn was a member of Easts Jersey flegg(U21) winning side in the 2002 season.