Tributes have poured in for footy legend Damien Medwin after he was tragically killed in a car crash in Tasmania’s north.
The NSW and NT player and father of three was described by heartbroken friends and family as the “life of the party”.
Stowport Cricket Club’s Nic Bellinger said Medwin always the first one to “put a positive spin on things when the chips were down”.
“Damien is well known all over our state and country through his many contacts from sport and friendships,” he said.
“Over his lifetime, he was always leaving a positive impact with the people who he came into contact with.”
Mr Bellinger launched a GoFundMe campaign on Tuesday to support Medwin’s wife Bec and children Hudson, Jordy and Marni.
He said the family had a “long, tough road ahead” as they grieved the tragic loss of a “very loving husband”.
As of Thursday morning, the campaign had so far raised almost $60,000, with single donations as large as $2500.
The 38-year-old’s body was found in a car submerged in water in the state’s north west on Sunday.
The football great played for eight different clubs and had stints in NSW and the NT.
Most recently, he was a player and assistant coach for the Circular Head Saints Football Club.
In a statement, Circular Head Saints said 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 with the Forest-Stanley Football Club.
“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,” the club said in a statement.
“You made people so welcome. You gave us hope even when the chips were down.”
A Tasmanian Police spokesman said emergency services were called to the scene about 9.30am on the day the car was found.
“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.
The Rennie-Football Netball Club wrote on Facebook on Tuesday that the club was sad to learn of the passing of the former play.
“We send much love and special thoughts to his young family and friends,” the club said in a statement.
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