The AFL world is in a state of shock as the news of former Fremantle and GWS player Cam McCarthy's passing came to light on Friday.
According toย Channel 7, paramedics were called to an address in Lake Coogee in Perth's south around 18:00 local time on Thursday night.
The paramedics found McCarthy, 29, unresponsive, with Western Australian police making a statement today.
โAbout 6:15 pm yesterday, Thursday 9 May 2024, emergency services were called to an address in Lake Coogee. Upon arrival, it was confirmed a 29-year-old male was deceased.
โThe death is being treated as non-suspicious.
โA report will be prepared for the coroner.โ
McCarthy played 70 AFL games and kicked 99 goals after being drafted with Pick 14 in the 2013 National Draft.
The South Fremantle product was selected by the Giants where he featured in 21 senior games, slotting 36 goals in the meantime.
With a desire to return to his home state, WA, McCarthy was traded ahead of the 2017 season to the Dockers, where he played a further 49 games, slotting 63 goals and leading the club's goal-kicking in 2017.
After being a regular member of Fremantle's side, McCarthy slowly fell out of favour and ultimately left the club during the 2020 season, which was riddled by COVID-19 interruptions.
Terrible news out of Perth. Can confirm the Westโs report that former @GWSGIANTS & @freodockers forward Cam McCarthy passed away yesterday, aged 29.
The Dockers are planning to wear black armbands tonight as a tribute to McCarthy, who led their goal-kicking in 2017.
McCarthyโฆ
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) May 10, 2024
Following his departure from the AFL, McCarthy continued playing football for South Fremantle in the WAFL.
Both Fremantle and GWS offered their condolences in club statements.
โOn behalf of everyone at the Fremantle Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to Cam's family at this unimaginably difficult time,โ Fremantle Chief Executive Simon Garlick said.
โCam came to the Club from Greater Western Sydney in 2016 and played 49 games for Fremantle after initially being drafted from South Fremantle.
โHis death is tragic, and to all of his family, friends and teammates, we extend our deepest condolences.
โCam was a kind and easy-going person at the Club, and he was someone who had a habit of making people smile and laugh. His talent was undeniable and he loved his footy.
โOur thoughts are with Cam's family and his loved ones during this time.โ
โWe are saddened to learn of Cam's passing. The news has had a profound impact on many current and former GIANTS players and staff,โ said GIANTS Chief Executive Officer David Matthews.
โCam had great energy and was a much-loved member of our club for the seasons he was here.ย He was very popular and a bright footballing talent.
โOn behalf of the GIANTS, we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire McCarthy family and his many friends.โ
In a tribute to the forward, the Dockers are planning on wearing a black armband in memory of McCarthy when they take on Sydney tonight (Friday) at Optus Stadium.
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