Footballer Phoenix O’dine dies suddenly aged just 18 – as his devastated mum makes a heartbreaking tribute
Keen footballer Phoenix O’dine has been remembered as ‘the kindest, sweetest kid’ and a ‘cult figure among his teammates’ after his tragic death on Saturday night aged just 18.
O’dine’s mother Bianca Witney revealed the shattering news in a Facebook post, writing, ‘Tragically our golden angel took his last breath surrounded by some of his most loved ones and family.
‘Once again the universe has decided to take one of the good ones.
‘Phoenix u were the kindest, sweetest kid I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and our lives will never be the same without you.
‘I am beyond grateful to be your mum even though your time on earth was FAR FAR too short.
‘Will forever and always love you. FOREVER 18.’
South Australian footy player Phoenix O’dine (pictured) has been remembered as a ‘cult figure among his teammates’ after his tragic death on Saturday
Pictured: The heartbreaking post Phoenix’s mother published on Facebook
O’dine played footy for the Port Macdonnell Football and Netball Club, located near the southern tip of South Australia’s border with Victoria, with the team also paying tribute to him on Facebook.
‘Phe played the majority of his junior football at our club. With all of us watching him grow into a fine young man,’ the statement read.
‘Always smiling, caring, revving the boys up.
‘A cult figure among his teammates. He will be remembered forever and truly missed by all.
‘Fly high Phe.’
The teenager also ran out for the Nangwarry Football Club, which hailed him for ‘putting his hand up for a game with us when they [Port Macdonnell] had a bye which was also greatly appreciated’ and described him as ‘small in stature but large in endeavour’.
The tributes for Phoenix drew dozens of comments from heartbroken friends and acquaintances, with one describing him as ‘such a great kid, with a heart of gold’ and another praising the O’dine family as ‘such a big part of our club’.
In another blow to the family, Phoenix’s younger brother Dexter was told he needs an Australian-first heart and kidney transplant last year.
He was put on life support in an induced coma with late-stage heart and kidney failure but was discharged and allowed to return home last October after a fundraising effort by the family.
