Colin Sylvia family’s grief after ex-AFL star’s new life cut short

A CLOSE friend of former football star Colin Sylvia was driving the second vehicle involved in the tragic crash. The pair had been yabbying together earlier in the day. Sylvia’s family say he “had really turned his life around” since moving back to the country.

THE family of ex-AFL star Colin Sylvia have told of their heartbreak at his death in a car crash after he had finally turned his life around.

Sylvia died in a two-car collision at Irymple, near Mildura, on Sunday.

It is understood that a close friend was driving the second vehicle involved in the tragic accident, and that the pair had been yabbying.

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Toby Quirk-Meeks, the partner of Sylvia’s sister, Kasey, said the former Demon had made significant progress since moving back to the country after a turbulent time.

“The hurtful thing of it all was he had really turned his life around. He had a new girlfriend, he had the job. He was kicking goals,’’ he said.

“We always thought it would be the best thing for him to come home to really turn it around. It’s an absolute shock … it’s rocked our family.

“It’s devastating, to be honest.”

Sylvia’s mother, Lynne Hatfield, penned an emotional tribute beside a photo of the two of them on ­Facebook, saying she missed him “so much my heart hurts”.

“My son, how do I do this without you. So thankful for your love,” she wrote.

Girlfriend Mindy Jory posted that Sylvia, 32, “was so beautiful inside and out. Gone too soon.

“He was just absolutely beautiful, he had a heart of gold,” she wrote.

Colin Sylvia with his partner, Mindy. Picture: Instagram

Colin Sylvia’s partner Mindy posted an emotional tribute on Monday night. Picture: Instagram

Sylvia’s girlfriend posted an emotional tribute online to her boyfriend on Monday night.

“I can’t even explain in words how much I am going to miss you Colin,” she said.

“You brought so much joy to my life. Your were always so happy and saw the best in everything.

“I have never met a more nicer guy than you. You are one of a kind. You always put everyone before urself. “

Ms Jory, who had been dating Sylvia since June, said she would miss him.

“You taught me and showed me that there was so much more to life,” she said.

“Can’t even find the words. I can’t believe that you are gone. I am so honoured to have been a small part of your life and have the chance to have met all ur beautiful family and friends.

“Love you forever Colin Sylvia (collie) RIP.”

Colin Sylvia’s death has rocked his family. Picture: Instagram

Colin Sylvia’s brother-in-law says the former AFL star had turned his life around. Picture: Instagram

Other heartbroken family members said they had “lost someone very special”.

Sylvia played 163 games for Melbourne and Fremantle.

Mr Quirk-Meeks said that on the morning of the accident, Sylvia had been yabbying with a close friend, who was driving the other car in the crash. They had been at Sylvia’s father’s home and were travelling to another friend’s house.

A neighbour who was first on the crash scene said the two cars were about 80m apart. He described ‘’absolute carnage’’.

Mr Quirk-Meeks said the events leading up to the crash were still unclear.

He said: “His mate was in front of him … we’ve heard the corner has come up a bit sooner than what he thought; he tried to swerve, but collided with the car in front of him.

‘’That’s what we know at this stage … he ploughed straight into his mate.’’

The scene of crash in Irynple near Mildura. Picture: Sunraysia Daily

One of the first to arrive at the crash scene, who did not want his name published, said the impact was “the loudest crash (I) ever heard”.

“I thought it was a truck running through a house. People came running from their houses almost 300m away.”

Sylvia’s close friend remained in Mildura Base Hospital on Monday night.

Floral tributes had been laid at the crash scene.

A local resident places a floral tribute at the scene of the crash on Benetook Avenue. Picture: David Caird

Roses laid at the scene near the corner of Benetook Avenue and Nineteenth St. Picture: David Caird

Oil marks at the crash scene on Benetook Avenue. Picture: David Caird

Sections of discarded police tape were strewn beside the dirt road near the scene, which neighbours said was “notorious” for accidents.

Sylvia had moved to Mildura following problems on and off the field.

Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to several fraud charges over the use of a stolen credit card. He also admitted climbing a building to film a woman as she slept.

Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones said he was “absolutely saddened”.

He said on Instagram: “A tragedy, we’re all still in shock! You were always a great person to my ­family and I. We had so many good times together.”

Former Demon teammate Brent Moloney said he had lost a “best mate”.

“I still can’t believe it … My thoughts go out to his beautiful family, I’m gonna miss you brother.”

Colin Sylvia was a much-loved teammate at the Demons.

Sylvia’s former captain Brad Green said it was just a ­trag­edy.

“Col was a loveable larrikin, he enjoyed his life on and off the field, but deep down he had a great heart,” he said.

Melbourne Football Club CEO Gary Pert said Sylvia “was not only a great footballer but also a great character, who built many meaningful relationships across the entire club”.

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