For the second time in a year, the members of Nicolas' Romanais Péageois Rugby club are in mourning. Nicolas was licensed in the same rugby club as Thomas, killed in Crépol almost a year ago. The 22-year-old Romanian seriously injured by a bullet in the head during the Halloween night shooting in front of the Le Seven nightclub in Saint-Péray survived his injuries. The rugby club pays tribute to him.
Nicolas' photo was placed facing the pitch under the stands
A photo of Nicolas throned under the stands from the Donnadieu stadium in Romans-sur-Isère. Some candles were left by relatives of the victim. Several hundred relatives and rugby players went to the Valencia hospital on Saturday evening to say goodbye to their friend. “We are stunned, we are stunned, why Thomas, why Nico, why us?” launches, Patrick Baudoin co-president of RC Romans Péage who struggles to hold back his tears. “We were shocked when we learned he was still a club rugby player” he explains.
“He was a very good player, his nickname was Kolbe like the South African player. When he needed to help his friends, he was there.” describes Patrick Baudoin.
A psychological unit must be set up at the start of the week to take care of people in shock. “We will have to rebuild ourselves, but how can we play rugby again now? How will they be able to play again without their friend? They need help” worries the co-president.
A tragedy which rekindles wounds that are still raw among the Romanians
On the market, many Romanians share the same sadness. “A 22 year old doesn't have to leave like that, I think of his family, it's terrible” says Christiane, a resident.
Many do not wish to express themselves. “We saw what happened after Thomas' death in Crépol because of the recoveries ” says a resident who will say no more. In a tobacco shop in the city, customers talk about Nicolas' death.
“It's all the more traumatic when we realize that anyone can receive a stray bullet, it's really scary” slips Chantal the tobacconist. During this shooting, two other people were injured in the Seven parking lot, a 24-year-old woman and a 22-year-old security guard. The investigation continues, at this stage there is no no arrests.
