Source : ABC NEWS
Suburban football player Nathan Fitzgerald has died after suffering critical head injuries during a reserves game in the city’s north on the weekend.
Just before 9pm on Monday night, Epping Football Netball Club posted “Rest in peace and love Fitzy. 34 — Forever Fitzy”.
A sea of blue and white hearts, representing the team’s colours, flooded in on social media as fellow club members paid tribute to Mr Fitzgerald.
The 27-year-old was also a high school teacher at Mernda Central College, with the school posting that it was “deeply saddened by the loss of our much-loved colleague”.
“Nathan was an exceptional young man who brought warmth, energy, kindness and genuine care to every part of his life,” the school posted on social media.
Mernda Central College said teacher Nathan Fitzgerald, who died on Monday, was an “exceptional young man”. (Facebook: Mernda Central College)
“He was a deeply valued member of our school community and had a profound impact on the students, staff and families who have had the privilege of knowing him.
“Nathan represented the very best of education. He cared deeply about young people, built strong and meaningful relationships, and made those around him feel seen, supported and valued.
“This is an incredibly difficult and distressing time for Nathan’s family, friends, teammates, colleagues, students and all who love him. Our thoughts are very much with Nathan and his family.”
Many members of the school community have also shared their love of “Mr Fitz”, with one person describing him as “the best and sweetest teacher ever”.
Mr Fitzgerald was rushed to hospital in critical condition on the weekend, after suffering a head injury at Lalor Recreation Reserve about 1pm on Saturday.
The 27-year-old sustained his fatal injuries during a match at Lalor Recreation Reserve in Melbourne’s north. (ABC News: Costa Haritos)
Epping Football Netball Club said Mr Fitzgerald was believed to have suffered three head knocks during a tackle.
It said Mr Fitzgerald clashed heads with a fellow teammate then copped a knee or boot to the head before then hitting his head on the hard cricket pitch in the middle of the oval.
Club president Luke De Vincentis, who tonight confirmed Mr Fitzgerald’s death, earlier said the players continued to rally around each other during the difficult time.
“There’s heartbreak, but there’s shock and confusion. It just doesn’t feel real,” Mr De Vincentis told 774 ABC Melbourne.
As of 9pm on Monday, a GoFundMe set up to support Mr Fitzgerald’s family had raised more than $70,000.
A GoFundMe has been set up support Mr Fitzgerald’s family. (GoFundMe)
Mernda Central College said it was supporting its staff and students as they processed the “heartbreaking” situation.
The school has set up a memory box, with students, families and staff invited to leave a message, memory or tribute to Mr Fitzgerald.
“Nathan was deeply loved, valued and respected by all of us at Mernda Central P-12 College, and our entire community is holding him and his family in our thoughts,” the school said in its statement.
