At just 22 years old, Navar Herbert had a life full of promise. A professional rugby player for the Nerang Bulls, he was deeply in love with his partner, Maia Falwasser, and a devoted father to their baby son, Kyrie. The young family had bright dreams for the future, dreams that were tragically shattered when Navar was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer known as a sarcoma.

Despite the devastating news, Navar and Maia were determined to marry. When doctors informed them that his cancer had spread and he had only hours to live, the couple moved forward with a heartfelt and intimate ceremony. Too weak to walk on his own, Navar was carried to meet his bride in their back garden on Australia’s Gold Coast, surrounded by family and friends who shared in the bittersweet moment.

Following the ceremony, Navar’s friends honored him with a traditional Māori Haka, a powerful dance that paid tribute to his New Zealand heritage. The performance was both a celebration of his life and a show of strength for those mourning, creating a deeply moving and memorable farewell to a young man whose life touched so many.

Tragically, Navar passed away shortly after the wedding, as doctors had feared. The heartbreak was compounded by the fact that his funeral coincided with his son Kyrie’s first birthday. Maia shared her grief on a GoFundMe page set up to bring Navar’s body back to New Zealand, revealing the immense emotional and logistical challenges she faced in the wake of his passing.

In her heartfelt message, Maia described the profound loss of her “best friend, husband, and the father to our son.” She spoke of the sorrow she felt but also found solace in the outpouring of love and support from family and friends. Navar’s life, though tragically short, left an indelible mark on those around him, a testament to his courage, love, and the deep connections he fostered in his brief time on Earth.