South Australian footballer Corey Distefano ‘almost lost his life’ in burns accident
A former Norwood football player was left in a coma and his body covered in burns in a workplace accident.
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A young football star was left fighting for his life after a “horrific accident while at work” left him with burns to a large portion of his body.
Corey Distefano was placed into an induced coma to help deal with the severity of the burns he sustained, according to a GoFundMe set up to cover his current and future medical costs.
The A-grade Gawler Central Football Club footballer shared the news he was in hospital on Facebook on June 20.
“Hi all, as many of you knew I’ve had a life-threatening accident,” Distefano wrote.
“I love and appreciate you all so much.
“Hearing you (sic) messages has kept me positive.”
The fundraiser, set up by friend Nicholas Khammash, claimed Distefano had “almost lost his life” at work but since waking up was “shocking all medical professionals with his resilience and progress”.
“He has gone through multiple surgeries and has begun grafting all over his body which could go on for quite a while,” Mr Khammash wrote.
“Although he has a long road to recovery we all believe he will make it out of this due to the amount of overwhelming love and support around him.
“We love you Corey keep fighting!”
Sharing the GoFundMe to Facebook Mr Khammash said “so proud of you big fella keep fighting and we all love ya”.
“Large or small it all goes to helping out someone who needs it,” he said in another post.
Distefano is an accomplished footballer having resigned with Gawler Central Football Club in the Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association for the 2023.
The A-grade player played five games this season with his last being against Angaston in round six on May 27.
Distefano has had a successful career with Gawler Central having been named best player nine times in the 16 games he has played, kicking a total of four goals.
When he joined the Tigers ahead of the 2022 season the club shared a Facebook post saying the motivated sportsman had signed from the Central District Football Club where he played league football and was previously a Norwood junior and Reserves player.
Plus was part of the Golden Grove Football Club 2020 premiership while he was in the process of changing clubs.
Distefano’s Facebook gathered over 100 comments from people showing their support and almost 450 likes.
“Love you our darling boy you can do it you are strong nonna and nonno,” Giovanni Carol Distefano wrote.
“Absolute trooper Corey!! You’re nothing short of amazing and so proud of you! Keep on fighting,” Kelly Lawton wrote.
Another commenter, Jason Martin, wrote: “Been thinking of you 24/7 brother.”
“Keep up the positivity and will to fight.
“If anyone can do it, you can.”
The GoFundMehas raised $3350 of its $4000 goal.
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