A NSW football community is in mourning following the sudden death of beloved player Mitchell Weeden on May 20.
The 38-year-old’s tragic death has shattered his football club, the Northern Storm, which is based in Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast.
‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mitchell Weeden yesterday afternoon,’ the Storm said on Facebook.
‘Mitch was not only our vice president and Premier League goalkeeper, but also a valued friend, teammate, father, husband, grounds person, equipment coordinator, goalkeeping coach, referee, Under 6s coordinator, and so much more.
‘He gave countless hours to our club and community, and his loss will leave an enormous void in both our club and our hearts.
‘At just 38 years of age, Mitch leaves behind his wife Liana and their two young boys, aged 4 and 2.
Mitchell Weeden (pictured with his wife Liana and their children) died suddenly on May 20
The 38-year-old (pictured with wife Liana) is being mourned by the Northern Storm Football Club, located in Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the entire Weeden and Hall families during this incredibly difficult time.’
The club’s premier league and first division matches were postponed last weekend due to the awful news, and other teams in the competition held a minute’s silence.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Weeden’s wife Liana and their sons. It had raised more than $21,000 at the time of writing.
‘He was always there to lend a hand wherever needed, whether that was helping train players, marking lines, or simply doing whatever needed to be done around the club,’ the club wrote.
‘Mitch was the kind of person who was always there for others.’
Liana Weeden posted a Facebook tribute to her husband two days after he passed away, posting a photo of them kissing at their wedding with the caption, ‘Always & forever.’
Her post drew comments like, ‘I love you so much & I’m so sorry this is happening to you and the boys,’ and ‘Mitch truly had the biggest heart and cherished all of you so much.’
Weeden is pictured playing goalie for the Storm, with the team postponing matches last weekend after the horrible news
The father of two was also the president of the Coffs Colts Cricket Club, which announced his passing with ‘great sadness’
The Storm’s online announcement also saw friends of Weeden’s express their shock and high regard for him.
‘We are all worse off for the person we lost, but we are better people for the person we knew,’ Craig Caruana wrote.
‘You were my right hand for so long and one of my great friends. I will miss our daily chats about what we could do to make our club better and of course my constant reminders that you were the only person I ever knew to burn down a line marking machine while painting lines.
‘Our team, club and family has had a massive hole ripped from it, you have touched so many people.’
‘One of the nicest blokes both on and off the pitch. Always there with a helpful tip, a dad joke or just to say hi. What a huge loss for the people who had the privilege to know him,’ another commenter wrote.
‘Rest easy Mitch I can’t believe you are gone, you were one of the nicest and giving person I have met, we will all miss you and thank you for everything,’ added another.
Other football clubs in the area, including Bellingen, Urunga, Boambee and the Kempsey Saints also paid tribute online.
Weeden was also the president of the Coffs Colts Cricket Club, which announced his passing with ‘great sadness’.
‘Mitch has been involved in the club for countless years and has led us as President through the previous two seasons with a strength and courage that will never be forgotten,’ the Colts wrote on Facebook.
‘He was always willing to provide a helping hand in all areas of the club, whether that be through coaching juniors and mentoring the next generation of cricketers or getting behind the bbq at club functions.
‘This club would not be where it is without the tireless efforts of Mitch to ensure our club was successful.’
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
