Rugby league star Isaac Luke is heartbroken after revealing that his beloved father died in a Cyclone Gabriel landslide.

Former rugby league star Isaac Luke is heartbroken after the death of his father in Cyclone Gabriel in New Zealand.

George Luke died following a landslide on the North Island. new zealand herald.

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George and partner Mau Goodman were driving from Rotorua to Hastings on Monday night.

When the family heard nothing from them, a search party was launched.

They were found Thursday and taken by helicopter to hospital, where George later died.

George’s partner Mau is “covered all over” but is recovering in hospital, the family told the Herald.

Cyclone Gabriel caused flooding and landslides across the North Island and a state of emergency was declared in New Zealand on Tuesday.

Former rugby league ace Luke, 35, who played 43 times for New Zealand before retiring in 2021, has been left “broken” by the death of his father.

Luke wrote Facebook: “broken.

“My first HERO. See you soon, Dad. I love you.”

Local New Zealand rugby league club Hawera Hawks also paid tribute to George.

Hawks wrote Facebook: “My deepest condolences to Luke Whanau on the passing of George Luke of the Totara Tree.

“Words cannot express our grief at this sad time. You touched all of us and encouraged us to always do our best.

“You have always been a father, a brother, an Uncle Koro, a mentor and a friend to guide us. We will miss you.

“To George’s beautiful child Kia Kaha, our thoughts and love are with you all.

“Soar high with your beautiful wings, wrap your children around them, keep them safe, and hold them with your love.”