Jervois Football Club captain and Unity College graduate Tyson Freund, 18, dies in Coonalpyn farm tragedy

A tight-knit community is in shock after the death of a “vibrant” teen on a farm near Coonalpyn.

An 18-year-old man and local football captain who died on a farming property just months after graduating high school has been remembered as a “young, well-loved, vibrant person”.

Coonalpyn’s Tyson Freund died on Tuesday after reports of a breathing problem.

It is understood the teenager, who had asthma and often had his puffer on hand, was at home on his family’s farm at the time.

His death comes the day after dust storms hit the area. It not known if the weather event contributed to his death.

Mr Freund was the captain of the Jervois Football Club under 18 team and had graduated Year 12 at a close tight-knit Murray Bridge school last year.

Club members and teammates have been left “absolutely shattered” by his shock death, with a meeting to be held shortly to determine whether this weekend’s game will go ahead.

Tyson Freund (far left), was captain of the Jervois Football Club under 18 side. Picture: Facebook

Jervois Football Club. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Reserves player Raymond Love remembered Mr Freund as an “amazing young man” in a social media tribute.

“Will be missed not only by the football club but also (the) whole community,” he wrote.

Unity College principal Francois Pienaar said the school community was deeply saddened by the former student’s death.

“Our hearts go out to their family, friends, and all who are grieving this profound loss,” Mr Pienaar said.

“In times like these, the strength of our community lies in our care for one another.

“We have put in place a comprehensive support structure across both campuses to provide counselling and pastoral care to students, staff, and families.”

It is understood Tyson Freund was at home at his family’s farm at the time of his death. Picture: Facebook

The 18 year old had only graduated from Unity College last year. Picture: Facebook

Mr Pienaar said support had also been extended to past students and the wider Murraylands community.

“We recognise that grief affects everyone differently and are committed to offering a safe and compassionate space for all to express their emotions, reflect, and begin to heal,” he said.

“We honour the life of this young, well-loved, vibrant person and the impact he had during his time at Unity.

“As a community grounded in faith, we offer this promise of hope: ‘He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge’ – Psalm 91:4.”

SA Ambulance crews were called to the Coonalpyn property about 150 kilometres southeast of Adelaide after reports of a breathing problem, at 3.41pm on Tuesday.

His condition was promptly upgraded to priority one and CPR was administered upon ambulance’s arrival at 4.11pm.

Due to the critical nature of the situation there was a call for the Medstar helicopter to land at Coonalpyn for a retrieval.

“Despite the dedicated efforts of our crews, SAAS can confirm that resuscitation was ceased on scene,” a SAAS spokesperson said.

“SAAS extends its deepest condolences to the family and the local community during this profoundly difficult time.”

It is understood the death was not suspicious and police will be preparing a report for the Coroner.

Originally published as Jervois Football Club captain and Unity College graduate Tyson Freund, 18, dies in Coonalpyn farm tragedy