The South Australian football community is devastated by the loss of a young talented country player. Following an accident on the field during a game, young South Australian country player Antonio Loiacono passed away unexpectedly at a young age. Read the post below to find out what happened to him and to get a quick rundown of the young talent Antonio Loiacono.
Overview
- Antonio Loiacono, age 20, passed away on Sunday following an on-field collision during a Hills Football League game.
- On Saturday, he suffered a serious injury while playing in a Hills Football League game.
- His family has paid the young athlete an emotional tribute.
What happened to Antonio Loiacono?
The teenage footballer’s brother has remembered his only sibling and “best friend” who would go on to save the lives of others as an organ donor after being declared brain dead following a horrifying on-field collision.
Around 8 o’clock on Saturday night, an accident occurred during a game at Gumeracha Oval in the Adelaide Hills. Antonio Loiacono, 20, was involved and was transported to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in severe condition.
Peter Malinauskas, said on Monday,
“We know that the young gentleman was taken to the South Australian premier, hospital pretty quickly after the event and was in a critical condition, but for his life to be so tragically lost is heartbreaking, it’s heartbreaking”.
Cause of death
The brother of a football player who tragically passed away at the young age of 20 following a terrible collision on the pitch has disclosed that his kind sibling will donate his organs to save the lives of a baby boy and an adolescent.
His younger brother Jack Loiacono, 19, stated that the Adelaide tradesman was hurt while attempting to pick up the ball. “He had an instant cardiac arrest due to the force of the strike. Jack stated to NCA NewsWire that the man was unable to breathe on his own.
Antonio was pronounced brain dead at 3 p.m. on Sunday, but his family has been informed that he will still save two lives. We still have some time with him till later tonight because he’s an organ donor, Jack added. That’s wonderful news since he’s saving a baby boy and a 19-year-old.
Who is Antonio Loiacono?
The gifted player Antonio had previously played for premier Riverland Football League club Waikerie, as well as SANFL club Norwood’s under-18 team in 2019.
The family member claimed the top utility had sustained ‘too many’ concussions and shouldn’t have been playing football in the first place, as the AFL community continues to be shaken by the fatal results of head knocks.
Loiacono, pictured playing for country footy club Waikerie, was injured during a match for Birdwoodat Adelaide Hills region (Source: Instagram)
Antonio’s brother Jack Loiacono: Statement
Jack described the 20-year-old as “the most respectful, caring, loving, and beautiful soul”. “He was always loyal,” “Antonio would always put a smile on everyone’s face.”
Antonio’s bittersweet, selfless last acts fit with how Jack will remember his brother: kind, caring, and compassionate. “He just wanted to make sure everyone was having a positive time. He would wear the loudest shirt and the goofiest shoes. Antonio was so unique,” Jack said.
“Everyone who knew him loved him. He was just the most respectful, loving, and caring person. “He lit up the room and put smiles on everyone’s faces when he walked in.”
Jack also shared a tribute to his “best friend and the person I look up to most”. “Words can’t describe the pain we all feel, you’re loved by so many,” he wrote.
“You will always be in my heart and I’ll talk to you every day. “You are the most caring thoughtful person I’ve come across and always looked out for me, I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done, and helped me through you’re my guidance and always will be.”
Read some tributes that have poured in for the young man online:
The Great Southern Football League offered its,
“sincere condolences to the family and friends” of Mr. Loiacono. “Community football is what we live for and this is a truly sad time when a player is cut down by an unfortunate on-field incident, no matter what level of the game,” the league shared in a Facebook post.
Adelaide Hills Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom said,
Her thoughts were “with Antonio’s family and friends today after the incident at Gumeracha Oval on Saturday”. “Our thoughts also go out to the Birdwood Football Club community who will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event,” she said.
SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said,
Antonio’s death has left the South Australian football community “deeply shocked and saddened”. “We join the South Australian football community in mourning his tragic death following a game on Saturday evening,” he said in a statement.
KEEP READING,
Guitarist Greg Howard Passed Away, What happened? Cause of death Explained
What happened to Katlego Bereng? Is he dead by collapse or killed? Explained
Follow us on Twitter for more updates.
Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.