“One of a kind larrikin": Footy legend passes away at 38
Footy legend Damien Medwin has tragically passed away aged 38 in Tasmania’s north after a fatal car crash on Sunday.
Tributes have poured in for the NSW and NT player and father of three, after his body was found in a car submerged in water on the state's northwest.
Stowport Cricket Club’s Nic Bellinger has said that Medwin was always the first person “put a positive spin on things when the chips were down”.
He was described by his heartbroken family and friends as "the life of the party."
“Damien is well known all over our state and country through his many contacts from sport and friendships,” Bellinger added.
“Over his lifetime, he was always leaving a positive impact with the people who he came into contact with.”
Bellinger launched a GoFundMe campaign on Tuesday to help support Medwin's grieving wife Bec and his three children, Hudson, Jordy and Marni.
He said that the family have a “long, tough road ahead” as they grieve the loss of a “very loving husband”.
As of Thursday the campaign has raised over $62,000 with the highest donation at $2,500.
The football legend played for eight different clubs in his lifetime, with stints in both NSW and NT.
He was a player and assistant coach for the Circular Head Saints Football Club, before his tragic death.
The football club have released a statement and said that they were “devastated” by the “sudden and tragic passing of our life member, teammate, club legend and friend”.
“He was the clubs leading goal kicker on several occasions and was made life member at the end of 2018, just as the club went into recess,” they said.
“He was a one of a kind larrikin who filled the room with smiles and laughter.
“Our lives are better for knowing him and sharing so many wonderful memories with such a treasured friend. Boony and his beautiful family have had a huge impact on our club for many years.”
Medwin was also a senior assistant for the Forest-Stanley Football Club, who have also paid tribute to the football great.
“Words can’t describe the pain of the loss of you mate! Everyone’s mate, our coach & player. You were always positive, our number 13,” they said.
“You made people so welcome. You gave us hope even when the chips were down.”
Emergency services were called to the scene at 9:30am on the day the car was found, according to a spokesman for the Tasmanian Police.
“Initial inquiries indicate the man was travelling west on Backline Road, Forest in a silver Ford Territory when the vehicle has left the road coming to rest in water,” the spokesman said.
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