Heartbreak as Mount Gambier footballer Phoenix O’dine dies at 18

A family has been left shocked and stunned after their eldest son died, with his grieving mother saying he was “just too pure for this world”.

An 18-year-old Mount Gambier footballer, Phoenix O’dine, is being remembered as a young man with a heart of gold after he suddenly passed away on Saturday night.

His mother Bianca Witney, who previously ran Lucielles Cafe and Eatery at Mount Gambier, told The Advertiser that Phoenix had “the kindest heart” and would do anything for anyone.

“He was known to be the person people would talk to when they needed someone to talk to, because he would just listen,” she said.

“He wasn’t your typical 18-year-old kid. He liked to have a drink … like any typical teenage boy, but I always said that he was just too pure for this world.

18-year-old Phoenix O'dine tragically passed away on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

Bianca Witney posted this image of Phoenix to Facebook after his tragic death.

“Anything bad that happened, he took it so hard. He had that heart that you just don’t find anymore.”

Ms Witney said Phoenix had suffered from a heart condition, cardiomyopathy, and his sudden passing had left his family in disbelief.

“We found out 10 weeks ago that there was a chance Phoenix would need to have a heart transplant.

“We hadn’t even got to the meds stage, we were still at the doctor stage and working out what was best for Phoenix. None of us realised it would happen like this. It was so sudden.”

She said Phoenix had played a football game for his new team, Nangwarry, just a week ago and he showed no symptoms up until ambulances were called to his aunt’s house on Saturday night.

“I don’t think any of us have actually come to terms with it,” Ms Witney said. “We’re just expecting him to walk back through the door.

“The Mount Gambier ambulance team … tried so hard for over an hour to help Phoenix and they gave him the best possible chance to get through this and it wasn’t enough. But I’m so grateful for what they did do.”

She said he died surrounded by family and friends, and the cause of death was still unknown while the family waited for the results of an autopsy.

Phoenix’s younger brother, Dexter, also suffered from cardiomyopathy and last year received a double transplant of a kidney and heart – an Australian first for a child – after the family and local community members mobilised to save his life through a fundraiser.

Dexter was discharged home in October after the successful transplant.

Phoenix O'dine, left, with his brothers Dexter and Leo.

18-year-old Phoenix O'dine with his siblings. Picture: Supplied

An image in memory of Phoenix posted by Ms Witney to Facebook on Monday read “Forever 18”.

Phoenix last year finished his schooling at Grant High School. Ms Witney said he was an avid footballer, and enjoyed riding his BMX bike and playing video game Fortnite.

In a heartfelt tribute posted to Facebook on Monday, Port Macdonnell Football & Netball Club said Phoenix was a “cult figure amongst his teammates”.

“Always smiling, caring, revving the boys up,” the post said. “He will be remembered forever and truly missed by all. Fly high Phe.

“Phe played majority of his junior football at our club, with all of us watching him grow into a fine young man.”

Nangwarry Football & Netball Club, where Phoenix recently transferred, said in a Facebook post that he was “small in stature but big in endeavour” and sent condolences to his family.

“Phoenix played the majority of his footy at Port Mac but often put his hand up for a game with us when they had a bye, which was also greatly appreciated,” the post said.

Commenters on the posts shared tributes to Phoenix and messages of support for the family.

“Such a great kid, with a heart of gold,” one comment said.

Other commenters said the news was shocking and Phoenix’s memory would live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Originally published as Heartbreak as Mount Gambier footballer Phoenix O’dine dies at 18