Man in 40s with life-threatening injuries after Gold Coast excavator crushes him in rollover
Brisbane Lions premiership player Aaron Shattock is in an induced coma after being crushed by an excavator when it rolled on top of him at a Gold Coast home on Sunday. READ THE LATEST
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Brisbane Lions premiership player Aaron Shattock is in an induced coma after being crushed by an excavator when it rolled on top of him at a Gold Coast home on Sunday.
The father-of-three remains in intensive care at the Gold Coast University Hospital under observation.
Shattock is understood to be surrounded by family including his wife Claire, and children Mitch, Cleo and Sadie.
The accident, which occurred at his Worongary property just before 1pm on Sunday has shocked friends and former teammates.
Labrador Tigers Football Club released a statement on Sunday, outlining how ‘Shatts’ was “dearly loved” by the community.
“A true Labrador person and life member, Aaron has been a significant part of our club since 2007, as a player, assistant coach, senior coach and committee member.
“His passion for our club is unmatched and his presence is deeply valued.”
The club statement said Shattock was in an induced coma where he would remain under observation.
“We send our thoughts, love and prayers to the Shattock family during this challenging time.”
Heartfelt messages from the Labrador and Gold Coast football community flooded the comments of the Facebook post.
“Right now, our friend is facing one of the toughest battles of his life,” Alistair Mitchell commented.
“He has always been a light to so many, bringing joy and support to everyone he meets.
“Now, it’s our turn to surround him with love, strength and prayers.
“We’re all with you mate, fighting alongside you, sending all our love and positive energy your way.”
Todd Featherstone said Shattock was “one of the great guys”.
“Not only as a teammate but as a person,” he said.
“Our thoughts and love are with you and your family in this tough time but know not only Labrador but the whole footy community is with you mate.”
Carlton coach Michael Voss, who played alongside Shattock during the Lions premiership run in the early 2000s said he was devastated at the pre-Christmas tragedy, calling his friend “a ripping good fella” and “an outstanding teammate”.
“I can’t believe it … it’s terrible at any time but just before Christmas is even worse,” he said in a statement released by the Lions.
“Our prayers are with him and his family.”
Ex-Labrador Tigers president Nick McGuire described the situation as “heartbreaking”.
Knowing Shatts, he’s a pretty tough character so hopefully he’s able to pull through,” he said.
“He’s still there, he’s still part of the board and his kids play footy there so he coaches,” he said.
“He’s said this himself, he’s a Labrador person, the only reason he continues to do what he does is because he fell in love with Labrador and he’s pretty much done everything you can do at the club.
“Clubs like that don’t exist without good people like Shatts.
“You don’t want to see that sort of thing happen to anybody but it couldn’t have happened to a better person.”
Mr McGuire said Shattock had long been a key figure at the club.
“He’s a super bloke and he’s done so much for the footy club and we love him dearly,” he said.
“His son plays footy down at Labrador and his family are all involved.
“He’s part of helping bring the next generation of people through the club both as a coach and a father.
“We’re going through some major renovations at the moment which he’s been a huge part of and he’s kind of project managing the build on that so his fingerprint, footprint is all over the place.
“The club wouldn’t be where it is or what it is without people like Shatts.”
AFL star fighting for life after being crushed by excavator
Brisbane Lions premiership player Aaron Shattock is fighting for his life after he was crushed by an excavator when it rolled on top of him at a Gold Coast home.
Emergency services were called to an address (right) off Worongary Rd about 12.50pm on Sunday where the man in his 40s had become pinned underneath the piece of machinery. A Queensland Fire Department spokeswoman said crews used hydraulic equipment to stabilise the excavator before it could be raised off the man to free him.
Several paramedics, including the specialist high acuity response unit attended and treated the man. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said he sustained significant life threatening chest injuries and was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital.
Shattock remains there in a critical condition.
Born in 1980, Shattock went to Sacred Heart College in Adelaide, played his junior footy with the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club in South Australia before being drafted by Brisbane in 1998, 45th overall.
He debuted for Brisbane during the 2000 season, playing nine games and sticking with the club through its early 2000s golden years.
He played 68 AFL games, most notably featuring in the Lions’ 2002 Grand Final win over Collingwood.
He remained with Brisbane through the 2003 and 2004 seasons, though saw only seven games in the latter.
Shattock was traded to Port Adelaide where he played 10 games in 2005 and a single appearance in 2006, after which he retired.
Shattock then spent more than a decade as player, captain, assistant coach and eventually senior coach with Labrador in the QAFL.
The Queensland Police Service forensic crash unit attended the rollover and an investigations is underway.
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