VSDCA 2019-20: Hoppers Crossing mourn sudden passing of Bryce Stuart
The devastated parents of young cricketer Bryce Stuart, whose sudden death has rocked Hoppers Crossing, have appealed to those suffering mental health problems to reach out for help “because there are people in your corner.”
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Hoppers Crossing Cricket Club has been shaken by the death of First XI player and popular clubman Bryce Stuart.
And his devastated parents have appealed to anyone suffering from depression or other mental health problems to reach out to family and friends.
The Cats’ VSDCA game against Werribee was called off on Saturday as a mark of respect for Stuart, 29.
The club was informed about 2pm of his death after he went missing on Friday night.
Stuart’s best mate, Brad Apps, was playing for Werribee.
Devastating news to come from the weekend.
— Ormond Cricket Club (@OrmondCC) October 27, 2019
We pass our condolences to Bryce’s family, friends and @HoppersCricket.
Everyone involved in @SubbiesCricket is here to help. https://t.co/uPGSRpWUkM
Commiserations to @HoppersCricket for such a big loss. The entire @SubbiesCricket community is behind you
— Balwyn Cricket Club (@BalwynCC) October 27, 2019
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out @LifelineAust @beyondblue @SANEAustralia
Our player welfare officer @AdamJanes1994 is available to talk anonymously https://t.co/BEL8lUac6r
Sincere condolences to the Stuart family & all at @HoppersCricket.
— BJ (@bjmcguinness14) October 27, 2019
On behalf of all at @OakleighCC, our thoughts are with you during this incredibly tough time.
To those who are in need of help & support, don’t ever be afraid to reach out to @beyondblue or @LifelineAust.
Sending our love and support to our friends @HoppersCricket â¤ï¸
— Kew Cricket Club (@KewCricketClub) October 27, 2019
This evening i've just had worst ever possible news has hit me after the very very sad news from @HoppersCricket of current 1st XI player Bryce Stuart who went missing late in the week has unfortunately died this afternoon my condolences go out to the Stuart family at this time.
— Brenton Ray (@brentonrkaring) October 26, 2019
Hoppers Crossing president Jake Porter said the family wanted to highlight the importance of speaking up.
“They very much wanted to make it known that mental health, if you reach out, you can get help,” he said.
“There are people in your corner and you’ve just got to put it out there and ask for help.”
Fixtures in the lower grades were also cancelled on Saturday.
Stuart played on the opening day of the First XI game at Hogans Rd Reserve and bowled three overs.
His father, Dennis, is a Sub-District Cricket umpire.
Hoppers Crossing president Jake Porter had known the pace bowler for 15 years.
He said Stuart had been an advocate for mental health.
“He was the kind of guy with a heart of gold and was always one of the guys who wanted to talk about it,” Porter said.
“I think he probably struggled sharing that to other people, which has unfortunately led to this tragedy.”
Stuart had featured in T20 charity games against Werribee aimed at promoting mental health.
“He probably never really opened up about it,” Porter said.
“That was probably an example on what he was very big on. He had a big heart, he wanted other people to talk about it and open up about it but he didn’t do that himself probably too well.”
Stuart played junior cricket at the club and had served on the committee.
He took career-best figures of 7-61 last season against eventual premier Oakleigh.
“This place was his second home,” Porter said.
He said the family wanted to highlight the importance of speaking up.
“They very much wanted to make it known that mental health, if you reach out, you can get help,” he said.
“There are people in your corner and you’ve just got to put it out there and ask for help.”
VSDCA secretary Ken Hilton said the competition had been saddened by Stuart’s death.
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“It’s a very tragic and sad event and not only do we express condolences to the Stuart family, but obviously all the members of Hoppers Crossing and many other members at Werribee Cricket Club who knew this young man,” Hilton said.
“It’s a tragedy. Absolute tragedy.”
Bryce Stuart is survived by Dennis, his mother, Christine, and brother, Kieran.