15 Precious Lives Stolen
Bondi Massacre Claims Beloved Rugby Stalwart and Retired Officer Peter 'Marzo' Meagher
Peter Meagher, a retired NSW police detective and beloved rugby volunteer, was among 15 victims killed in the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, authorities confirmed.
Among the 15 innocent lives lost in yesterday's horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach was Peter Meagher, a retired New South Wales police detective, devoted rugby volunteer, and passionate freelance photographer affectionately known as "Marzo."
Meagher, from a storied rugby family, was working as a freelance photographer at the "Chanukah by the Sea" event in Archer Park when father-and-son gunmen Sajid and Naveed Akram opened fire on the crowded Hanukkah celebration around 6:47 PM yesterday (December 14).
The attack, declared a terrorist incident by authorities due to its targeted antisemitic nature, claimed victims aged 10 to 87, including rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and families enjoying the summer evening.
Randwick Rugby Union Football Club, where Meagher served as first-grade team manager and loyal volunteer for decades, confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement.
"'Marzo', as he was universally known, was a much-loved figure and absolute legend in our club," the club said. "With decades of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby."
The Meagher family is described as "rugby royalty," with Peter's grandfather being Wallabies Hall of Famer Wally Meagher and his father Ron a former club president. Club general manager Mark Harrison described the tragedy as "catastrophic," noting the irony that Meagher survived a long career on the police frontline only to be struck down in retirement pursuing his passion for photography.
"The tragic irony that he spent so long in the dangerous frontline as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos in his passion role is really hard to comprehend," Harrison wrote.
Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union, and the Waratahs joined in mourning, calling Meagher a "beloved member" who dedicated countless hours to the sport.
Meagher leaves behind his wife Virginia, brothers Greg, David, Andrew, and Paul, and a wide circle of friends across the police, rugby, and photography communities.His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes, with friends remembering him as a kind, selfless man with "mountains of friends" who gave tirelessly to his community.
May his memory be a blessing.