Family reveals footballer’s selfless last act after death from on-field collision

The brother of the young footballer says the 20-year-old who died after an on-field collision will go on to save the lives of others in a bittersweet final act.

A 20-year-old footballer is dead after an on-field collision. Picture: 9 News

The brother of the young footballer who has been declared brain dead after a horror on-field collision has remembered his only sibling and “best friend” who will go on to save the lives of others as an organ donor.

Antonio Loiacono, 20, was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition after the collision occurred during a game at Gumeracha Oval in the Adelaide Hills about 8pm on Saturday.

His 19-year-old younger brother Jack Loiacono said the Adelaide tradie sustained the injury as he went to pick up the ball.

“The hit was so intense he went into cardiac arrest on the spot. He wasn’t able to breathe for himself,” Jack told NCA NewsWire.

Jack said his brother Antonio, an organ donor, would go on to save the lives of others. Picture: Facebook

At 3pm on Sunday afternoon, Antonio was declared brain dead; however, the family has been told he will go on to save multiple lives, including a baby and a teenager.

“Because he’s an organ donor, we still have some time left with him until later tonight,” Jack said.

Antonio’s bittersweet, selfless last acts fits with how Jack will remember his brother: kind, caring and compassionate.

“He just wanted to make sure everyone was having a positive time. He would wear the loudest shirt, the goofiest shoes. He was so unique,” Jack said.

“Everyone who knew him loved him. He was just the most respectful, loving and caring person.

“He lit up the room and put smiles of everyone’s faces when he walked in.”

Antonio and brother Jack were footy fans from a young age. Picture: Facebook

Antonio was a passionate football player. Picture: Instagram

Jack said it was “humbling” to learn his brother had died doing something he undeniably loved.

On Saturday, their mum watched her eldest son play for his beloved Birdwood Football Club in their twilight game against Gumeracha Football Club. James was working at the time and his dad was in Sydney.

“He lived and breathed it,” Jack said of his brother’s love of football.

It was also a passion that resulted in Antonio sustaining several concussions, which meant he had to give up the sport when he was about 15.

“His last one which happened a few years ago was pretty bad. For a day or two, he had vomiting and memory loss but nothing as bad as this,” Jack said.

He died after an on-field collision. Picture: Instagram

The 20-year-old man was flown to Royal Adelaide Hospital. Picture: 9 News

Jack also shared several touching memories on Facebook.

“Antonio, my other half, my best friend and the person I look up to most, words can’t describe the pain we all feel,” he wrote.

“Your aura was so special and would put a smile on anyone’s face.

His family has paid tribute on social media. Picture: Facebook

Antonio’s been described as the most ‘thoughtful and caring person’. Picture: Facebook

Tributes have flown for the A-grade player since the extent of his injuries were revealed.

The Great Southern Football League offered its “sincere condolences to the family and friends” of Mr Loiacono.

Antonio's brother Jack shared memories of the two together. Picture: Facebook

“Community football is what we live for and this is a truly sad time when a player is cut down by an unfortunate on-field incident, no matter what level of the game,” the league shared in Facebook post.

Our collective thoughts are with his family and the Birdwood Football Club at this time of “unbelievable sadness”.

SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said Antonio’s death has left the South Australian football community “deeply shocked and saddened”.

“We join the South Australian football community in mourning his tragic death following a game on Saturday evening,” he said in a statement.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Antonio’s family, friends and teammates and stand ready to support the Birdwood Football Club and the Hills Football League, as well as Gumeracha Football Club, during this incredibly difficult time.”

Adelaide Hills Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom said her thoughts were “with Antonio’s family and friends today after the incident at Gumeracha oval on Saturday”.

“Our thoughts also go out to the Birdwood Football Club community who will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event,” she said.

Originally published as Family reveals footballer’s selfless last act after death from on-field collision