Tavis Learg: CrossFit fanatic dies in crash in south of France, with Orange community in mourning

A well known Australian gym owner, coach and CrossFit fanatic has been killed in a car crash in the south of France. 

Tavis Learg, 33, died in the crash last week with news of his death devastating the fitness community in Dubbo and Orange, in west NSW.

‘It’s with a very heavy heart that we report the passing of our fearless leader and founder Tavis, who was involved in a fatal car crash in the south of France over the weekend,’ his Red City Gym wrote in a social media post. 

‘Our heartfelt thanks go out to not only our Red City family, the towns of Orange and Dubbo, but also the broader CrossFit community in Australia and New Zealand for all your love, care, and support in the wake of Tav’s parting.’

The post said that every message has been read ‘and every single bit of support has been felt. And that support does make it a little easier, really!’

Mr Learg was described as a ‘Brother, son, coach, and friend, he made our lives better and showed us how to get the most out of ourselves. He will be missed.’

Loved ones said his legacy would live on as he prioritised self-improvement and community spirit. 

His importance to his local communities was eulogised by some of the people he had a profound impact on. 

‘You made my girls who they are today confident, strong, and dream chasers. My heart goes out to all your family and the Red City fam,’ one woman wrote.

‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Tav, for looking after my girls. They sure are going to miss you, champion.’

A man Mr Learg had helped said the coach was gone ‘Too young, too soon. He is a visionary who lived life with passion and loved the community he surrounded himself with unconditionally.’

In order to help ease their grief, the gym’s staff want people not to despair, but to live their lives with Mr Learg in mind. 

‘So if you’re trying to decide whether or not you’re going to head to the gym one day. If you’re tossing up between the steak or a bowl of nachos at dinner. If you’re thinking about having another beer or responsibly sitting on the one. 

‘Or if you’re contemplating going on that trip or not, think “what would Tav do?” Because we guarantee you it will steer you in the healthiest direction.’

Tavis Learg’s death has devastated the fitness community of western NSW, as friends and clients were asked to let his spirit guide them by asking ‘What would Tav do?’

The gym said, ‘what would Tav do? It’s something a lot of members have said they’ve thought about recently.

‘Many even asking for it to be written on the wall. Well, he’d usually Instagram whatever his workout was each day, while wearing aggressively tight shorts.

‘But jokes aside, Tav would always demonstrate what he asked of the rest of us. He trained consistently even when it was hard.’

One woman said Mr Learg ‘was such a strong and passionate person, supporting everyone to be the best version of themselves’.