Footballer left in coma after SA pub incident
An incident at the Pier Hotel in Port Lincoln, South Australia, has left an Australian Rules football player in an induced coma.
The incident which occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning, left 24-year-old Sam May with life-altering injuries.
The circumstances are unclear at this stage.
May had played in the annual Teakle Cup on Saturday for the Bloods against Norwood at Centenary Oval.
The club released a statement addressing the incident and its support for May.
“The West Adelaide Football Club can confirm that senior men's player Sam May was involved in an incident in the early hours at Port Lincoln on Sunday morning,” Bloods chief executive Conny Wilson said.
“Our priority is the health and wellbeing of Sam and his family as well as the wider West Adelaide community.”
Club doctor Megan Deakin was one of the first on the scene following the incident and was thanked by the May’s family for efforts.
“We are truly grateful for the incredible care our beautiful boy received in Port Lincoln (before) being transferred to Adelaide and now in the RAH,” his family said in a statement.
“He has been blessed to be surrounded by such caring, clever people. Our special thanks also to club doctor Megan Deakin, who was one of the first responders in assisting Sam.
“We are forever grateful that his loyal Westies family and the beautiful Heard family were by his side.
“Sammy is the light of our lives and we absolutely love and adore him as does everyone who is lucky enough to meet him.
As awful and as difficult it is, we just need to wait now.
“Your love, strength and prayers for our Sammy are appreciated beyond measure. We have always been so incredibly proud of Sammy, for all that he has achieved and the fabulous young man he is; he's always been such an inspiration.
“We all know he has the heart of a lion and an amazingly brave spirit. He will be doing everything he can to get back to his best. Sincere thanks and much love.
“Sue, Daz, Tom and Sam.”
Jonathan Jackson, 23rd April 2024
