The leaders of Rouen Normandie Rugby spoke after the sudden disappearance of Jordan Michallet.
The tragedy caused a real shock wave in Rouen and in the world of rugby. Jordan Michallet, opening half of Rouen Normandie Rugby, was found dead at the foot of a building under construction. According to the elements of the investigation, the 29-year-old player fell from 4and stage. The thesis of suicide is preferred. “We are stunned, in shock. there is no word, entrusted to Paris-Normandy Eric Leroy, president of Rouen NR. Someone from the family has left us. He always had a smile on his face, was always in a good mood. He was a really good guy. It’s when people disappear that we give superlatives, but this was really the case. We have a thought for his wife Noélie and for his family.”
According to a police source quoted by AFP, “all the elements suggest three successive suicide attempts, the last having unfortunately succeeded“. Immediately after a traffic accident, Jordan Michallet would have gone to the building where the drama took place. “It’s really hard, he was a great guy and I blame myself, because I didn’t see it coming. That’s also what’s difficult, it seemed good to me, breathes Olivier Barthaux, sports director of Rouen NR, always at Paris-Normandy. He had everything going for him, he was an intelligent, kind, polite player. Jordan was loved by everyone. The impact is very violent for the players. We are all in shock. He was really a lovely guy, who was behind our project“.
Rugby will take a back seat for the Rouennais, in the fight to keep them in Pro D2, during the reception of Carcassonne on Friday, which will be an opportunity to pay tribute to him. The memory of Michallet, passed by Grenoble and Bourgoin before settling in Normandy, will be present on all the other grounds of the championship.
If you or someone close to you is having suicidal thoughts, call 31 14, the national suicide prevention number, accessible 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
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