Young footballer receiving end-of-life care after head injury
A young Epping football player is receiving end-of-life care after a tragic incident at a suburban match in Melbourne’s north at the weekend.
Nathan Fitzgerald collided head-on with a player before his head hit the ground. The incident occurred during a reserve match between Lalor and Epping at Lalor Football Club at Sydney Court on Saturday afternoon.
According to his club’s social media post on Sunday afternoon, the 27-year-old’s condition worsened overnight.
“We are very sorry to share this about our beloved teammate.” [and] “Club member Nathan Fitzgerald’s condition deteriorated overnight and he is currently receiving end-of-life care,” Epping Football Netball Club said.
“The entire Fitzgerald family is in our thoughts during this terrible situation and we ask that you respect their privacy. Please take a moment to hug and kiss your loved ones; life is too precious.”
The club held an event to honor “Fitzy” on Sunday, after which they shared the devastating update.
Police confirmed a 27-year-old man suffered a serious head injury during Saturday’s match but said there was “no evidence of criminality at the time of the incident”.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said emergency services responded to a call at 12.55am and transported a patient in a critical condition to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The match was suspended after the incident in the third quarter.
Epping Football Netball Club said in a statement later on Saturday that both its reserves and senior matches had been cancelled.
Lalor Football Netball Club said in a statement on Saturday evening that they wished a “speedy recovery” to the injured player, whose condition is critical in hospital.
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Caroline Schelle is an education reporter and joined The Age in 2022. He had previously served in courts in AAP.Connect with: X or email.
