Bloods SANFL player Sam May suffers ’life-altering injuries’ in Port Lincoln

The young man’s club, school and family have paid tribute to his fighting spirit, despite fears he’s suffered life-altering injuries.

West Adelaide’s Sam May in action against the Crows last season. Picture: Peter Argent/SANFL

A West Adelaide footballer is in a serious condition in Royal Adelaide Hospital after an incident at a Port Lincoln hotel on Sunday morning.

Bloods league player Sam May, 24, sustained “life-altering injuries” and has reportedly been placed in an induced coma following the team’s SANFL game against Norwood at Centenary Oval in what the club has described as an “off-field accident’’.

It is understood the incident occurred at Port Lincoln’s Pier Hotel and that no other person was involved.

A spokesman for SA Police said emergency services were called to a hotel on Tasman Tce about 9.16am on Sunday, after reports that a man had fallen through the roof.

SA Ambulance said a 24-year-old man was rushed to the Port Lincoln Health and Hospital Services before being transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

“The West Adelaide Football Club can confirm that senior men’s player Sam May was involved in an incident in the early hours at Port Lincoln on Sunday morning,’’ Bloods chief executive Conny Wilson said.

“Our priority is the health and well being of Sam and his family as well as the wider West Adelaide community.

“The club requests that the family and everyone involved is given space and privacy as we work through this difficult situation.’’

The Pier Hotel declined to comment on the incident and SA Police said they are not investigating the incident.

The Pier Hotel in Port Lincoln. Picture: Supplied.

West Adelaide Footballer Sam May has fallen through a roof at The Pier Hotel, Port Lincoln. Picture: 7NEWS

May was in Port Lincoln with the West squad for the Round 3 SANFL game against Norwood on Saturday afternoon.

The Bloods lost the game by 13 points, 5.7 (37) to the Redlegs’ 6.14 (50).

The 182cm May, a strong defender, had seven disposals, took three marks and laid three tackles in the game, which was played in Norwood’s regional zone of Eyre Peninsula.

The teams play annually in Port Lincoln for the Teakle Cup.

May has played 35 games and kicked six goals for West since debuting in 2019.

West Adelaide’s Sam May celebrates a goal in 2020. Picture: Sarah Reed

West Adelaide footballer Sam May. Picture: Supplied

West Adelaide footballer Sam May. Picture: Supplied

May’s family has released a statement, saying: “We are truly grateful for the incredible care our beautiful boy received in Port Lincoln (before) being transferred to Adelaide and now in the RAH.

“He has been blessed to be surrounded by such caring, clever people. Our special thanks also to club doctor Megan Deakin, who was one of the first responders in assisting Sam.

“We are forever grateful that his loyal Westies family and the beautiful Heard family were by his side.

“Sammy is the light of our lives and we absolutely love and adore him as does everyone who is lucky enough to meet him. As awful and as difficult it is, we just need to wait now.

“Your love, strength and prayers for our Sammy are appreciated beyond measure. We have always been so incredibly proud of Sammy, for all that he has achieved and the fabulous young man he is; he’s always been such an inspiration.

“We all know he has the heart of a lion and an amazingly brave spirit. He will be doing everything he can to get back to his best. Sincere thanks and much love.

“Sue, Daz, Tom and Sam.’’

Apart from being a fine footballer who played at State under-age level, May was a former standout junior tennis player, who won national junior titles.

He was Prince Alfred College’s tennis team captain in 2017 and 2018.

“As a PAC old scholar (2018) and valued member of our tennis coaching team, we are deeply saddened to hear of Sam’s injury,’’ PAC headmaster David Roberts said.

“Our thoughts are with Sam, his family, friends and football community at this challenging time.”

The SANFL also issued a statement, saying: “Our thoughts are with Sam, his family and friends at such a difficult time, as well as the players and officials at the West Adelaide Football Club.

“We are providing ongoing assistance to the club as they support Sam’s family, their players, staff and volunteers.’’