Family and friends of former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer have slammed reports the 23-year-old died by suicide.
Spicer died on January 2 and it was reported he took his own life, but those close to the footballer have rubbished those rumours.
Dharna Nicholson-Bux, the sister of Spicer’s partner, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, wrote on Facebook on Sunday that his death was ‘tragic, sudden and unexpected’.
‘There’s a lot of misinformation going around right now and I want to make it VERY CLEAR, our brother Phoenix did not take his own life,’ she posted.
‘If you hear or witness these rumours please shut them down to protect his heart and dignity while he makes his journey to the Dreamtime.’
Aussies online sent their support to Spicer’s family.
Former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer died on January 2 at just 23
The Facebook post by Dharna Nicholson-Bux slamming reporting of Spicer’s death
Spicer was born in Numbulwar, a remote community in east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory
‘Thinking of you all during this time, and saddened to hear that these rumours are being spread and not allowing those who loved and cared for him to grieve without this extra layer of hurt,’ one person wrote on Facebook.
‘So disrespectful and invasive. No need for sticky noses to know everything. It doesn’t positively change the course of the journey of grief for anyone. Stay strong,’ another said.
Spicer was taken with pick No.42 by the Kangaroos in the 2020 national draft and went on to play 12 AFL games before being delisted at the end of 2023.
He spent the past two seasons at the Western Bulldogs’ VFL affiliate Footscray – playing 18 games across that stretch – and he was named as an emergency in the club’s VFL grand final victory in September.
Just months ago, it was announced he had signed for Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season.
Originally from Numbulwar, a remote community in east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Spicer was a proud Nunggubuyu man.
Ms Nicholson-Bux led the tributes for Spicer on Saturday when she posted on Facebook: ‘We are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man.
‘Phoenix will forever be our beloved brother, uncle, son, partner to Ky-ya and a second dad to Jordy,’ she wrote.
Spicer played for the Kangaroos in 12 AFL games and kicked two goals
‘Our hearts are broken with your sudden loss, you are watching over us now my brother, we will miss you. Forever 23.’
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood said in a statement the small forward was ‘a popular and well-liked member of the playing group’.
‘On behalf of the club, I would like to pass on my condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time,’ Ms Hood said.
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AFL star’s family slam awful rumour that circulated after his tragic death aged just 23