Canberra Raiders utility and former South Sydney Rabbitoh Troy “TJ” Dargan has passed away at 26 while holidaying with family in the South Pacific.

The Aria Management Group released a statement on social media announcing the tragic news about Dargan, who was one of their clients.

“On behalf of the Dargan family, it is with a heavy heart that we share the news of TJ’s tragic passing over night,” the agency posted to social media shortly after 1pm.

“He and his family were holidaying in the Cook Island where TJ was involved in a motorcycle accident.

Dargan was Cook Islander and Indigenous descent and had previously played two Test matches for the Cook Islands.

“TJ is a beloved son to Troy and Wendy, loving brother to Tamalee and Korokai, and friend to many many others,” Aria Management Group’s statement continued.

“TJ will he greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Dargan debuted in the NRL for the Rabbitohs in 2020, featuring in two games that season.

The utility played six games for the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles in the NSW Cup in 2023 before signing a two-year development contract with the Raiders last month.

Dargan spent time with both the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels at different times.

The news of Dargan’s death was met with shock and sadness among his colleagues in the rugby league community.

“RIP brother, best bloke,” Manly Sea Eagles star Josh Schuster posted on social media.

“RIP my brother. Love you mate,” Raiders teammate James Schiller posted on Instagram.

Brisbane Broncos also shared the club’s condolences.

“The Broncos are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Troy Dargan … Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones … Always part of the Broncos family,” the club posted to social media.