Teammates, friends pay tribute to Tyson Freund, 18, after Coonalpyn farm tragedy

A Murraylands footy club has broken its silence after the sudden death of an 18-year-old captain and “born leader”, as heartbroken friends prepare a tribute in his honour. Read the statement.

• Teenager dies in farm tragedy

Jervois Bluds Football Club has broken its silence after the sudden death of an 18-year-old team captain and “born leader”, as friends prepare to wear blue ribbons in his honour after a suspected asthma attack.

Tyson Freund died on Tuesday after reportedly suffering breathing problems while on his family farm at Coonalpyn.

It is understood the former Unity College student had asthma and often had a puffer in his hand.

It is not known if a dust storm, which hit the region on Monday, contributed to his death.

There has been an outpouring of grief following his tragic death, with tributes flooding in across social media.

Tyson was captain of the Jervois Football Club under-18s, and the club released a heartfelt statement on Thursday acknowledging his impact both on and off the field.

18yo Tyson Freund from Coonalpyn died on the family farm after a suspected asthma attack. Picture: Supplied

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of one of our Bluds footballers, Tyson Freund,” the statement read.

“We extend our deepest sympathy, love, and thoughts to Ronald, Belinda (BJ), and Chad, as well as their extended family and friends.

“Tyson’s loss will be felt far and wide within our Bluds community.”

The club described the Freund family as an integral part of Jervois’s football and netball community, and encouraged players and supporters to band together in the wake of Tyson’s passing.

“People feel and show grief in many different ways. Please look out for each other, check in, and reach out (if you can) to support those around us in the Bluds community.

“While this can be a sensitive subject, it is important that we also support and talk to our kids as they come to terms with the grief, sadness, and heartbreak of losing a much-loved friend and teammate.”

“Once a Blud, forever a Blud.”

Three-time A grade premiership player Mitch Noye, who coaches Tyson’s under-18s team, remembered the team captain as “kind-hearted, respectful and a born leader.”

“Forever remembered, Forever 18, Forever my captain,” he wrote.

18yo Tyson Freund from Coonalpyn died on the family farm after suffering an asthma attack. Picture: Supplied

An opposing team’s captain Johnny Phillpott – who was set to clash with Tyson this weekend – described his counterpart as a kind, respected and warm-hearted friend.

Phillpott – who captains Tailem Bend’s Under-18 side – said he knew Mr Freund through footy and school.

“He was a mate, a teammate, a player I versed, and just a bloke that touched myself and everyone’s heart,” he said.

“Tyson was one of the most respected and well loved players and members of the community.

“His personality was contagious and he always had a way of putting a smile on everyone’s face.”

Phillpott is a student at Unity College where Tyson graduated from last year.

“His passing has broken the community, (there was a) cold aura around the school yesterday, the tears from teachers and students,” he said.

“He was a great kid who had a positive effect on so many people around him.”

Friend Oscar Coull said Tyson was “one of the best blokes going around”, while friend Taj Lowe wrote “I love you bro”.

Other friends posted photos of the 18-year-old with the caption “Forever 18”.

Friend Jordan Moore said she and others planned to honour Tyson’s battle with asthma by wearing blue ribbon pins to the funeral.

“In honour of Tyson battling his asthma all his life, Tate and I will be wearing blue ribbon pins to the funeral, which represent asthma awareness,” she wrote.

“Google has displayed asthma awareness as blue or grey, and we have decided blue will stand out for Tyson’s courageous battle.”

Family friend Craig Chittleborough said Tyson would be missed across the entire region.

“He was a great footballer and an even better kid with a wonderful family,” he wrote.

Jervois Bluds footballer Michael Parker said it was an honour to coach the talented footballer, while Robe Council chief executive Nat Traeger said he was “taken far too soon”.

Tyson, far right, was the captain of the Jervois Football Club. Picture: Supplied

The wave of tributes comes after SA Health warned South Australians, particularly those who suffer asthma, about the risks associated with dust storms.

SA Health Protection and Regulation executive Dr Chris Lease said high winds and raised dust can impact air quality and exacerbate pre-existing illnesses.

River Murray Football League president Mark Steinert said the football community was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Jervois Football Club as players come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of one of their own.

His loved ones have remembered him as a talented football and good kid. Picture: Supplied

Mr Steinert, alongside league chaplain Wayne Kerber, will attend the club’s Thursday night training session to support players still reeling after the sudden death of under-18s captain.

“We’ll be heading out there to speak to the players and offer any possible help we can because we know it’s all pretty raw at the moment,” Mr Steinert said.

“Wayne has done this role for a long time and is very good at what he does. He was a big help in Gumeracha a couple of years ago.”

In 2023, Mr Kerber supported players following the on-field death of 20-year-old footballer Antonio Loiacono in Gumeracha – a tragedy that rocked South Australia’s football community and drew national attention.

Tyson’s teammates will likely decide at Thursday’s training whether to go ahead with their away game against Tailem Bend this Saturday.

“Whether they decide to play in his honour or say it’s still a bit much and cancel – either way, we’ll support them,” Mr Steinert said.

“We all think football is the most important thing, but when things like this happen, it reminds us what really matters. Everybody is grieving. Tyson’s loss is such a tragedy, and everyone’s feeling it.”

He said the tragedy had sent ripples through the entire league, with many young players having known Tyson personally, living in the same communities or playing against him in school sports over the years.

“There’s often a lot of fierce competition and tribalism between the teams in the league, but when a tragedy like this happens, we all come together,” he said.

This weekend, RMFL players will wear black armbands and a minute’s silence will be held to honour Tyson.

“I know some of the netball games might not be going ahead this weekend. Tyson’s mum has been heavily involved in netball over the years, and his girlfriend also plays,” Mr Steinert added.

“Right now, the most important thing is coming together as a community and letting people know they’re not alone.”

Originally published as Teammates, friends pay tribute to Tyson Freund, 18, after Coonalpyn farm tragedy