‘In our hearts forever’: Community farewells Jervois Football club captain Tyson Freund, 18, after Coonalpyn farm tragedy

A “born leader” and respected teammate who died just months after graduating high school was farewelled by heartbroken friends and family.

Family and friends have gathered to honour the life of a young football captain who died suddenly on his family farm after a suspected asthma attack.

Tyson Freund, 18, a Jervois Football Club captain and recent Unity College graduate was farewelled in a funeral at the Murray Bridge Racecourse on Friday morning.

The service started with a silent listening of Noah Kahan’s “Maine” followed by a touching eulogy from his little brother Chad who remembered him as a fun-loving sports nut who loved the NBA and Western Bulldogs.

“Tyson loved the NBA, his favourite teams were all on constant rotation,” he said.

“He would get mum to sit with him and quiz him on the players.

“It was always a noisy night when the Bulldogs versed my favourite team, Brisbane.”

Footy captain Tyson Freund has been remembered as a caring young man by friends and family.

The Coonalpyn teen died on the family farm after suffering an asthma attack. Picture: Supplied

An aspiring sparky, Tyson loved travelling, spending time with his mates and cooking up a big feast of eggs.

“Losing him was the hardest thing we’ve ever had to endure,” Chad said.

“Not only was he a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin. He was a kind and giving friend.

“You’ll live in our hearts forever. See you on the other side, bro.”

His parents Ronald and Belinda said that he was the “best son” a parent could ask for.

“We will keep your legacy alive both now and in the future, I promise,” Mr Freund said.

“Mum, Chad and I love you more than anything.

“You were the best son a dad could have and I will miss you so much.”

Tyson with his parents Belinda and Ronald.

Tyson with his parents and brother Chad.

His longtime girlfriend Kyla said he was an adoring partner who “cared so deeply” for his family and friends in a speech delivered by her father Russell on her behalf.

“There are no words that could ever truly capture who Tyson was and what he meant to me,” she wrote.

“Tyson wasn’t just my boyfriend. He was my best friend, my safe place, my rock and my Maccas buddy.

“It breaks my heart that you’re not here with me, Tys. That we don’t get more time together.

“But I feel so lucky that I got to love you and that I got to be loved by you.”

Tyson Freund with longtime girlfriend Kyla.

Kyla said that she would forever cherish her memories with Tyson.

Unity College Chaplain Adam Yeager, who mentored Tyson in Year 12, said he was a bright young man with a “cheeky” grin.

During Year 12, he was asked how he would like to be remembered with Mr Yeager sharing his “last words” at the service.

“We felt it would be important to give Tyson the last word on how he is to be remembered,” he said.

“Tyson says this: He would always do what he could to help others and was known for his gentle nature and caring personality. Tyson truly was a great guy always putting others before him and making sure everyone felt included (...) He always had time for others.”

Tyson Freund, 18, from Coonalpyn, will be remembered at a funeral service. Picture: Supplied

The respected teammate and “born leader” died on May 27 after reportedly suffering breathing problems on the Coonalpyn property with his death sparking an outpouring of grief and tributes from the community.

It is understood Mr Freund had asthma and often had a puffer on hand.

Under-18 River Murray football and netball matches were called off in the aftermath of his death.

Jervois Bluds Football Club, where Mr Freund was captain, gathered its Under 18 team in a circle and placed his guernsey in the middle in tribute on the weekend following his death.

Tyson Freund from Coonalpyn died on the family farm after a suspected asthma attack. Picture: Supplied

The club released a heartfelt statement acknowledging his impact both on and off the field.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of one of our Bluds footballers, Tyson Freund,” the statement read.

“We extend our deepest sympathy, love, and thoughts to Ronald, Belinda (BJ), and Chad, as well as their extended family and friends.
“Tyson’s loss will be felt far and wide within our Bluds community.”

Football clubs across SA’s Murraylands and Mallee regions paid tribute to Tyson as players stood arm-in-arm for a minute’s silence before the Storm v Ramblers Under-18 game.

Originally published as ‘In our hearts forever’: Community farewells Jervois Football club captain Tyson Freund, 18, after Coonalpyn farm tragedy