GoFundMe for breadwinner AFL player Daniel Stewart’s grieving family raises small fraction of goal after sudden death at 37: ‘For every dollar organisers hoped for, seven cents has come in’
A fundraiser for former AFL player Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart’s grieving wife and two young sons remains almost $1.4million short of its goal following his sudden death at just 37.
Approximately $110,000 has been donated towards the $1.5million target – meaning the appeal has raised just seven per cent of the amount sought to support wife Laura and their boys Bernie and Lando.
For every dollar organisers hope to raise, only about seven cents has come in so far.
The substantial shortfall comes as those close to Stewart appeal to the football and fitness communities to help secure his family’s future.
Body Fit Training’s Asia-Pacific chief executive David Aitchison said Stewart was the family’s main income earner and had recently moved his superannuation, with the timing leaving them without life insurance cover.
The fundraising target is intended to help Laura keep their home and provide stability for the boys, including their future education.
Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart’s wife Laura and their sons Bernie and Lando face an uncertain future following his sudden death at 37
A fundraiser supporting Stewart’s grieving family has raised approximately $110,000 towards its $1.5million goal
The memorial appeal remains almost $1.4million short of its target, with just over seven per cent raised
Stewart died on October 23 following an unexpected medical episode, prompting an outpouring of grief from former teammates, friends and members of the fitness community.
Claire Madden established The Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart Memorial Fund to turn offers of support into practical help for his family.
‘We are all completely heartbroken by the immense loss of Daniel Stewart, fondly known to so many of us as ‘Snowy’,’ she wrote.
Madden described him as a devoted husband, loving father and loyal friend whose loss had left those closest to him struggling to find words.
She said many people had reached out asking how they could help.
‘We hope this page provides a meaningful way for our community to come together, contribute, and wrap Laura, Bernie, and Lando in the love and support they need right now.’
Stewart played 36 games and kicked 31 goals for Port Adelaide between 2010 and 2013.
Stewart’s wife Laura has been left to raise their two young boys following the former footballer’s sudden death
Port Adelaide will honour Stewart by wearing black armbands at its first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027
The 200cm forward joined the Power through the 2009 rookie draft after playing for North Adelaide, having previously come through the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador.
After his playing career, Stewart became a BFT franchise operator alongside former Port Adelaide teammate and close friend Matt Thomas, helping build the fitness network during its early years.
BFT remembered him as a much-loved figure whose contribution extended well beyond business.
‘More than that he was a devoted husband, father, friend, and much-loved member of the BFT family,’ the company said.
Thomas paid an emotional tribute to the man who had been part of his life for 17 years.
‘We were never just friends. We were always family. And life will never be the same without you.’
Former teammate Kane Cornes also expressed his heartbreak.
‘A true tragedy. A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face,’ he wrote.
‘I loved watching him and his beautiful family from afar. He built a thriving business and shared a special friendship with Matty Thomas. Heart goes out to his family.’
Port Adelaide will honour Stewart by wearing black armbands at its first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027, with the club also pledging support for those affected by his death.
Donations can be made through The Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart Memorial Fund.
