Royal Adelaide Show flags fly at half-mast after woodchopping tragedy

The close-knit woodchopping community are in mourning after the death of one of its members during a competition at the Royal Adelaide Show on Saturday.

Joe Clayton of NSW competes in the Underhand woodchopping event after the tragic death of a wood chopper. Picture: Mark Brake/AAP

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Flags around the Adelaide Showground’s woodchopping arena are flying at half-mast to pay respect to a veteran competitor who died during an event on Saturday.

Deputy chairman of the Woodchopping Committee Graeme Hyde said the community was banding together to support each other and the man’s family.

“As a sign of respect, a minute’s silence was held at the woodchopping arena earlier this morning,” Mr Hyde said.

“All the flags are flying at half-mast.”

Paramedics were called to the arena at the Showground’s southwestern corner just before 4.30pm on Saturday.

Despite their efforts, the man died at the scene of a suspected cardiac arrest.

Royal Adelaide Show Society chief executive John Rothwell extended his “deepest sympathies” to the “close-knit” woodchopping community and the man’s family.

He said the family had asked for privacy.

Wood-chopping events were cancelled on Saturday night. Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Originally published as Royal Adelaide Show flags fly at half-mast after woodchopping tragedy