Disturbing details emerge about Majak Daw leading up to his bridge incident

The grim details of what preceded AFL star Majak Daw’s tragic fall from a Melbourne bridge have come to light, according to a report.

Disturbing details have emerged about what preceded an incident involving AFL player Majak Daw on a Melbourne bridge that resulted in him being rescued by Victorian emergency services.

The North Melbourne star is recovering in hospital after he fell from the Bolte Bridge on Monday night. Police told 3AW Radio emergency services discovered a man “at the edge of the water” of the Yarra River after he was believed to have fallen near Lorimer St.

A report in The Australian has revealed the “self-destructive sequence of events” that unfolded for Daw before officers were called to the bridge about 11pm.

He reportedly fought with his girlfriend and took a dose of the sleeping medication Stilnox. It was reported that he mixed this with Melatonin, another sedative. “Then he reached for his car keys.”

His car was found at the top of the eight-lane Bolte Bridge, and Daw was found in the waters below. He broke his hips and pelvis in the fall but North Melbourne Football Club yesterday said he was “recovering in hospital”.

The club said it was providing full support to Daw and his family and would provide updates when appropriate.

“We understand the level of interest, but ask the privacy of the player, his family, teammates and staff at the club be respected at this sensitive time,” club president Ben Buckley said.

“Our primary concern is his mental and physical health and wellbeing, and also the wellbeing of his family, friends, teammates, coaches and staff at the club.

“The club is providing full and ongoing support for Majak and his family and also the players and the wider club community.’’

MORE: Daw’s incredible journey from war-torn Sudan to AFL star

The AFL community has rallied around Daw.

Daw has not been training with North Melbourne teammates this pre-season as he continues to recover from ankle surgery in September.

He carried a fractured foot injury through most of the season and the club initially expected Daw to make a full return to training with teammates on January 14 after the Christmas break.

He did not train with the rest of the club during the Roos’ public session at Arden Street Oval on Monday afternoon.

North Melbourne legend Wayne Schwass criticised the AFL yesterday over what he said was a failure to combat mental health issues rife in the game.

Schwass made a desperate plea for the AFL to lift its commitment to addressing the mental health of its players just hours after Daw was rescued by emergency services.

The founder of mental health advocacy enterprise Puka Up took to Twitter to express his dissatisfaction at the AFL’s efforts to improve mental health awareness across the footy community.

Thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to @majakdaw 🙏🏼

Sending you unconditional support, love and respect during this difficult time brother💙 #takecare

— Wayne Schwass (@WayneSchwass) December 17, 2018

At what point will the AFL industry come together to begin to seriously address the issue of mental health?

Surely, that point is TODAY/ NOW!!

Fortunately the outcome of today’s event wasn’t more tragic.

A very serious wake up call our industry needs to get serious!

— Wayne Schwass (@WayneSchwass) December 17, 2018

Most recent AFL player survey listed mental health as the NUMBER 1 concern/ issue across the entire playing body!

Not money, not opportunities, not retirement, MENTAL HEALTH!

It’s time we listened to their collective voices & prioritised their mental health!

— Wayne Schwass (@WayneSchwass) December 18, 2018

Since joining the Kangaroos, Daw has become a key figure in the AFL and the local community.

As an AFL multicultural ambassador, he has spoken out against racism and is widely considered a role model for aspiring young footballers.

Having fled war-torn Sudan, Daw and his family moved to Australia in 2003. He was selected by North Melbourne at the 2010 rookie draft and became the first Sudanese-born player to make an AFL debut when he played his first senior game against the Brisbane Lions in round four of the 2013 season.

The 195cm utility struggled to establish himself as a regular player at the elite level until this year when he enjoyed a breakout campaign. Having played predominantly as a forward and a ruckman, coach Brad Scott switched him to defence where he flourished, making 18 senior appearances to reach his 50-game career milestone.

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— with AAP