Collins' family thank public in this 'desperately sad time'

The former All Black loose forward, 34, died instantly when the car and a bus collided on a motorway near Beziers in the Languedoc region of southern France. Photo / File

The family of Jerry Collins has thanked the public for their support following his death in a French car crash yesterday.

The former All Black loose forward, 34, died instantly when the car and a bus collided on a motorway near Beziers in the Languedoc region of southern France.

Partner Alana Madill was also killed, and late last night the couple's 4-month-old daughter, Ayla, was in a critical condition in a hospital in Montpellier.

Collins' long-standing manager Tim Castle spoke to the media this afternoon on behalf of his family.

He described it as a "desperately sad time" for Collins' family, extended family, and friends all over the world.

"The key message that I have today on their behalf is to express their gratitude to everybody, from the immediate locality of Jerry's home here in Wellington, and Porirua, but also around New Zealand and globally, to express their appreciation for the wonderful messages of support and offers of help that they have received."

It was a "particularly important message" for the family, he said.

We are shocked and saddened by reports about the accident involving Jerry.

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 5, 2015

Very sad to hear the passing of Jerry Collins and his wife. Thoughts and prayers with the family and Daughter. #RIPJerryCollins

— Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) June 5, 2015

#RIP Jerry Collins a beast on the field but a true gent off it. My thoughts and prayers go out to his baby daughter pic.twitter.com/XROl9wG3Pl

— Lewis Moody (@LewisMoody7) June 5, 2015

Our thoughts are with friends and family of @AllBlacks player Jerry Collins and his wife Alana. Rugby will miss him. pic.twitter.com/E0PW5B5Yut

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 5, 2015

You were close to our hearts too! RIP Jerry Collins and condolences to all the families involved. #warrior @AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/CcBfNwhRUi

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 5, 2015

Always good catching up with the older Brothers #ChrisMasoe #JerryCollins .... Had to take my mouth guard #Puka pic.twitter.com/EFYAlCBlUm

— Neemia Tialata (@NeemiaTialata) March 30, 2015

Very sad day to hear a team mate , and our very good friend Jerry Collins has passed. #allblacklegend #hurricanes

— Rodney So'oialo (@CoachRodderz) June 5, 2015

Love you uso, May God look after your little one #thehitman

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) June 5, 2015

R.I.P Uce i'a manuia lo'u Malaga USO safe journey to the good lord brother

— Liam Messam (@LiamMessam) June 5, 2015

Very sad news. Notably one of the toughest opponents I had the pleasure playing against. RIP Jerry Collins #AllBlackLegend 👊

— Kurtley Beale (@kurtley_beale) June 5, 2015

Really sad to learn what hapenned to Jerry Collins, his wife and daughter! All my thoughts go to their family🙏! #RIPJerryCollins

— Thierry Dusautoir (@TitiDusautoir) June 5, 2015

Terrible news about Jerry Collins & his wife in France. Thoughts are with his family.

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) June 5, 2015

Just heard the terrible news about Jerry collins and his wife. He is a True legend in rugby. An idol and inspiration of mine.

— James Haskell (@jameshaskell) June 6, 2015