AFLW star's cause of death revealed
Content warning: This article includes discussion of mental health and suicide.
The cause of the shock death of AFLW player and army medic Heather Anderson has been confirmed, triggering a renewed conversation about the mental health of Australian troops.
The 28-year-old was found after having taken her own life at an army barracks in Perth on Sunday morning, according to the Australian Veteran Community page.
In a statement to news.com.au on Tuesday, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) confirmed Anderson’s death and said it was still under investigation.
“It is with great sadness Defence can confirm the death of an Australian Army soldier Private Heather Mary Anderson on Sunday, in Perth,” a spokesperson told the outlet.
“Anderson was a gifted athlete playing professional AFLW football with the Adelaide Crows and as part of the ARMY AFLW squad, and served her country for many years.
“The death of any Defence member is a tragedy and deeply felt by the Defence family and community.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Private Anderson. We are providing welfare support in accordance with the wishes of her family.
“As investigations by WA authorities are ongoing, it is not appropriate for Defence to comment on the matter further.”
Anderson was best known on the footy field for her bright pink headgear, which she wore so that her vision-impaired mother could identify her.
"[Mum] hated watching me get smashed and she couldn't really see me play in the field. I hated pink and anything girly, so she would joke, 'Maybe if you spray painted your helmet pink, I'd come and watch you play',” she told Mamamia in 2017.
"So I bought one in a sports shop as a joke and said, 'now I've got one you've gotta come watch me play'. It just sort of went from there."
After playing for the Adelaide Crows in the 2017 season, including their victorious grand final match against Brisbane, Anderson was forced to retire before the 2018 season after suffering a shoulder injury.
She was also a serving medic in the army, having joined in 2013 and helping to rebuild communities during the 2020 bushfires and the pandemic.
In the wake of her death, hundreds of soldiers have taken to the Australian Veteran Community page to pay their respects and share their condolences for her family.
“Your commitment, dedication and tireless efforts can often go unnoticed,” a fellow medic wrote.
“We know it’s not the desire for recognition, it’s the deep responsibility and sometimes helplessness of the situation for the lonely Medic that makes the night so dark. We who have stood in your boots regret we could not reach you. Know this we remember and share the deepest respect, for you are so much more. You are the “Doc” The Medic! forever reliable. Always.”
Northern Territory MP Luke Gosling, who served as an ADF member for 13 years, wrote: “Condolences to family and friends.”
Footy fans also took to social media to pay their respects and tackle the subject of mental health support for army members and veterans.
“This young lady is more than an AFLW star, she is a serving member of the Australian Defence Force, another who is no longer with us,” one fan wrote.
“It is time the Government look after our Defence Force personnel, both current and former.”
Over the past year, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has heard from more than 194 witnesses and received 1900 submissions, exposing the culture of institutional abuse and a lack of mental health support for veterans.
The latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare into the mental health and rates of suicide among former ADF members were higher for both men and women.
If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au.
ADF members and their families can also access confidential online and telephone support through the Defence all-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or 24-hour free counselling through Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Image: Instagram