The AFL community and its many loyal supporters are in shock following the untimely passing of Port Adelaide player John McCarthy.
The team’s end-of-season trip, attended by 10 of Port’s finest players, ended in tragedy as McCarthy was found dead yesterday after an apparent fall from a Las Vegas hotel.
Though circumstances of his death remain largely unexplained, McCarthy is thought to have fallen to his death from the hotel, discovered at 5:40am in the hotel’s driveway after being out with his teammates the night before, leaving behind loving parents and girlfriend Dani Smarrelli.
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The celebratory US holiday marked the end of the 22-year-old’s first year with Port Adelaide Power, in which his career took leaps and bounds as the promising young player went from fringe player to league regular.
The team’s chief executive Keith Thomas described McCarthy as a “terrific young player.”
“John was a very outgoing sort of fellow and well-loved by our people,” he said.
As well as support from the football community, heartfelt tributes and condolences have flooded in for the AFL star and his family from all over the country with more than 700 condolence messages posted on Port Adelaide’s website within two hours of the announcement of McCarthy’s death.
Former Port captain Warren Tredrea said his old teammates were distraught.
“The blokes are shattered,” he said.
“There’s been tears shed. He’s a massive loss for Port Adelaide.”
The Adelaide Crows released a statement of support echoing the shock and sadness of many fans.
“On behalf of our club, we have today extended our deepest sympathies to the Port Adelaide football club, and wish publicly to do the same to his previous clubs, as well as John’s family and friends, at this most difficult time.”
Mick Malthouse, McCarthy’s former coach from his Collingwood days was among those expressing who expressed personal sadness and sympathy to John’s family.
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He acknowledged the tragedy and reminded that being an AFL footballer doesn’t come with immunity.
“The boys would like to think they wear a superman suit around them but unfortunately that’s not the case and it brings things back to reality,” he said.
Our thoughts are with family, friends, and teammates of John McCarthy during this very sad time.
