NTFL player Alexander Aurrichio identified as cyclist killed in Howard Springs car crash

A POPULAR NTFL premier league footy player has been identified as the cyclist killed in a tragic crash with a motor vehicle in the rural area

Waratah Premier League player Alexander Aurrichio, pictured in 2017 while playing for South Adelaide Football Club, passed away on Monday in an accident at Howard Springs. Picture: Stephen Laffer

LATEST: Waratah Football Club has paid tribute to their teammate who was killed in a devastating cycling accident in Howard Springs on Monday night.

American Alexander “Rooch” Aurrichio, 30, who had a promising future in AFL, was riding along Gunn Point Rd about 7pm Monday night when a Nissan Patrol hit him from behind.

The driver and witnesses stopped to help Aurrichio but he died at the scene.

Aurrichio pictured in the 2018 NTFL season opening match between the Waratahs and Palmerston Magpies at Asbuild Oval.

Club president Rohan Langworthy said Aurrichio made an instant impact at the club with his strong play on the field and even stronger character off the field, and quickly became a favourite at Waratah.

“He had recently moved permanently to Darwin and was immersing himself in the lifestyle, taking in all the Territory had to offer including fishing and camping,” Mr Langworthy said.

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“Messages of condolences have been coming from far and wide, and he had clearly touched all who met him, with everyone in disbelief that we have lost such a loveable larrikin.

“Rooch will be remembered fondly and sorely missed.

“The Waratah Football Club would like to extend our condolences to Alex’s parents Lou and Jill and sibling in America.

“Please take some comfort in knowing he was loved by his family spreading across Australia.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner discusses the crash on Gunn Point Rd. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

Originally from New York, Aurrichio moved to Australia in November 2014 with the dream of becoming one of the handful of American sportsmen to play in the AFL.

The early days of his career were met with setbacks but Aurrichio persevered and went on to play for VFL team the Northern Blues, SANFL club South Adelaide and, more recently, as ruckman for Darwin’s Waratah Football Club in the Men’s Premier League.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said the driver of the vehicle involved and witnesses were assisting police with the investigation.

Witnesses who saw a male cyclist on a red bicycle are urged to contact police on 131 444.

NT Police investigate a crash in which a cyclist died after being hit by a car. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

EARLIER: An American sportsman with a promising future in AFL has been identified as the victim of the fatal crash at Howard Springs on Monday.

Alexander Aurrichio, 30, was on a bicycle riding inbound along Gunn Point Rd when he collided with a Nissan Patrol.

Originally from New York, Aurrichio came to Australia in November 2014 with the dream of becoming one of the handful of American sportsmen to play in the AFL.

Aurrichio was a ruckman for the Waratahs Football Club Men’s Premier League, and was regularly celebrated for his skill and imposing size.

Aurrichio, left, was a ruckman for the Waratahs Football Club Men’s Premier League, and was regularly celebrated for his skill and imposing size

The Waratah Football Club has put out a statement, extending its condolences to Aurrichio’s parents and siblings in the US.

“Please take some comfort in knowing he was loved by his family spreading across Australia,” the statement said.

“Rooch’s mates at Waratahs Football Club are currently getting together to support each other after the loss of our beloved teammate.

“Rooch came to the club and made an instant impact, with his strong play on the field, and even stronger character off the field, and quickly became a favourite at Waratahs.

“He had recently moved permanently to Darwin and was immersing himself in the lifestyle, taking in all the Territory had to offer including fishing and camping.

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“Messages of condolences have been coming from far and wide, and he had clearly touched all who met him, with everyone in disbelief that we have lost such a loveable larrakin.

“Rooch will be remembered fondly and sorely missed. Love you Rooch, Hoorah baby!”

The driver of the car, and witnesses, stopped to help Aurrichio but he tragically died at the scene.