A young and aspiring footballer died suddenly after collapsing on the field during a Saturday match.
20-year-old Antonio Loiacono from Australia was playing in the South Australian AFL with the Birdwood Football Club when he suffered critical injuries upon a collision with another player.
After his collapse on the football field at Gumeracha Oval, the young man was treated by doctors on the scene before being airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Unfortunately, the footballer died on Sunday night, his family revealed.
“The whole family are a bit in shock at the moment,” the source, who asked not to be named, said in a statement obtained by Adelaide Advertiser.
“He was loved by so, so many people. He had such a close relationship with his family, his brother and his girlfriend.
“He was someone who was genuinely always a bright light in a room and was such a positive, strong-willed person.”
The relative also explained that the 20-year-old was knocked out during a collision with another player which occurred in the fourth quarter.
Some thirty minutes after his collapse, Antonio was miraculously revived. Sadly, his injuries were too severe and he died hours later in the hospital.
“Words can’t describe the pain we all feel you’re loved by so many. You will always be in my heart and I’ll talk to you every day,” another family member said in a tribute to the young sportsman.
“Your aura was so special and would put a smile on anyone’s face around him. You are the most caring thoughtful person I’ve come across and always looked out for me.
“I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done and helped me through you’re my guidance and always will be. Everything I do from this day forward is for you I love you so so much.”
Our thoughts remain with Antonio’s loved ones during this challenging time.
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