Former Freemantle Docker Cam McCarthy tragically dies aged 29

According to reports by The Guardian, former AFL star Cam McCarthy has died, aged 29.

West Australian police released a statement announcing they had discovered McCarthy’s body, so far they are not treating the death as suspicious.

 WA Police also confirmed they are waiting on a coroner’s report to determine the cause of death, which is not yet known.

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The AFL released a statement saying it was, “deeply saddened” by McCarthy’s death.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said, “deepest sympathies and thoughts are with the entire McCarthy family and Cam’s loved ones and friends, along with his former teammates,” in a statement.

The Fremantle Dockers’ chief executive Simon Garlick also released a statement. It read, “Cam was a kind and easy-going person at the club, and he was someone who had a habit of making people smile and laugh. His talent was undeniable and he loved his footy.”

McCarthy was selected by the GWS Giants in the 2013 draft, playing 70 AFL games and kicking 99 goals, per AFL media.

Following his spell at GWS, McCarthy requested a trade to Fremantle, his childhood club, citing home-sickness as his rationale to move, per The Guardian.

GWS’ chief executive David Matthews noted McCarthy was, “struggling to deal with the day to day demands of being an AFL footballer,” per The Guardian. McCarthy was granted an indefinite leave of absence.

McCarthy’s wish was eventually granted, as he made his way to Freo to play for the Dockers. He played 49 games for the club before being de-listed in 2020. The Daily Mail reports McCarthy was diagnosed with epilepsy around this time, which may have contributed to the early end of his career.

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