Family in mourning after Gary Ablett’s sister Natasha dies

GEELONG and Gold Coast have both asked for privacy on behalf of the Abletts, with the famous family mourning Natasha Ablett — AFL star Gary Jr’s sister and champion Gary Sr’s daughter — after her sudden death this week.

Natasha Ablett death for web

GEELONG and Gold Coast have both asked for privacy on behalf of the Abletts, with the famous family mourning Natasha Ablett — AFL star Gary Jr’s sister and champion Gary Sr’s daughter — after her sudden death this week.

Gold Coast chief Mark Evans expressed his grief at Natasha’s passing today, saying: “The Gold Coast Football Club is heartbroken today at the loss of Natasha and we send our love and support to the Ablett family and Natasha’s wider circle of friends.

“At this time, we are working closely with Gary and his family to support them where we can.

“We ask the media to respect the privacy and feelings of the Ablett family as this is a deeply distressing time for everyone.”

The Cats also issued a statement, saying: “The loss of Natasha is a terrible tragedy for the Ablett family.

Natasha Ablett.

Gary Ablett Jr. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“All of our thoughts are with Gary, Sue, Gary Jr, Alisha and Nathan and the Ablett family at this time.

“To lose a child and a sister is devastating and we ask that the family be given time to grieve in privacy.”

It is understood the 35-year-old eldest child of Cats legend Gary Sr died alone at her Norlane home.

Natasha, the oldest sibling to Gary Jr, Nathan and Alisha and daughter of Gary Sr, had been receiving treatment through the Swanston Centre and died in non-suspicious circumstances on Thursday night.

Alisha paid tribute to her sister on Instagram.

Ms Ablett had ongoing health battles and had been seeking treatment for schizophrenia.

It is understood to be a driving factor in Ablett’s desperate pleas to return to Geelong.

In and out of mental health facilities for many years, Ms Ablett was also found guilty of assaulting a woman at Southern Cross Station in 2011.

She was fined $500 but her lawyer told the court Ms Ablett would have preferred jail time as a means of “secure, permanent and ordered housing.’’

Earlier this week, Gary Jr admitted that his priorities had shifted.

“I need to be around my family back home, who I have spent the last seven years doing long distance with,’’ he said.

“My sisters, my brother, and parents all play a huge role in my life, and it’s time that I make myself more available to them and others back home.’’

Natasha Ablett died at home in Geelong.

JON ANDERSON: TRAGIC DEATH HIGHLIGHTS GARY’S DESIRE TO COME HOME

Former Geelong Football club president Frank Costa said the situation would only compound the Brownlow medallist’s desire to return.

“This will make Gary Jr all the more determined to come home. His sister wasn’t well and that was one of the reasons he wanted to come back.

“It’s absolutely horrible but I think the family will pull together. This poor girl carried a terrible burden for most of her life. She had been pretty crook for a while.’’

The Footy Show host and Cats fan Rebecca Maddern was among those to offer tributes.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the Ablett family with the passing of Natasha,’’ she tweeted.

Former Geelong player and team mate of Ablett Sr, Tim McGrath, said the news came as a shock to him.

“I send my condolences to the family. It is sad a young person has been taken too early,” Mr McGrath said.

Victoria Police spokesman Luke Zammit said Ms Ablett’s body was discovered after police were called to a Norlane address about 9.50pm on Thursday.

I extend my deepest sympathies to the Ablett family with the passing of Natasha.

— Rebecca Maddern (@RebeccaMaddern9) October 13, 2017

Gary Ablett Sr with daughter Natasha in the rooms in 1991.

“Emergency crews arrived and tried to revive the woman but were unsuccessful,” he said.

He said her death is not being treated as suspicious and police would prepare a report for the Coroner.

A spokesman for Barwon Health, which operates the Swanston Centre, confirmed Ms Ablett’s passing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this tragic time, and we are meeting with them to provide whatever supports they require,” he said.

The spokesman said the centre had started an independent review into Ms Ablett’s death.

“We have commissioned an external review to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” he said.

GARY’S LETTER: WHY I NEED TO COME HOME

Gary Ablett Sr is a Geelong legend, regarded as one of the greatest and most skilful players of all time.

He played 248 games for Hawthorn and Geelong and is a winner of three Coleman Medals and an eight-time All-Australian.

Sons Gary and Nathan were members of Geelong’s drought-breaking 2007 premiership team.

Ablett Jr played in a second premiership at the Cats in 2009 before joining Gold Coast in 2011, where he won another Brownlow plus four club best and fairest awards to go with the two he won at Geelong.

Anyone seeking help with depression or other mental health issues should call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Family in mourning after Gary Ablett’s sister Natasha dies