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Some utterly tragic news emanating from the world of local footy, with word that the Ferntree Gully Football Club is dealing with the sudden deaths of not one, but two young players, both of whom tragically passed away within a week of each other.
17-year-old Niall Hargreaves died suddenly on Saturday evening, less than a week after the sudden death of 23-year-old fellow Ferntree Gully player Jake Fitzsimmons.
Hargreaves, a mainstay of the club’s under-17’s side, was a member of the team that won back-to-back age-grade premierships in 2015 and 2016. He was also a member of the under-15s side that took out the 2014 premiership.
Fitzsimmons, a senior player, joined the club in 2014, but did not take the field this past season.
Hargreaves was an exceptionally talented rising sports star, having represented Victoria in rugby league at a junior level. He also took out multiple age-grade batting average honours in the Ringwood District Cricket Association.
The Ferntree Gully Football Club confirmed Hargreaves tragic death in an emotional and clearly shaken Facebook post a couple of days ago.
“The Ferntree Gully Football Club today was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of one of our U17 players, Niall Hargreaves. This news comes less than a week after the passing of Jake Fitzsimmons in what has been a terrible week for the club and the entire Ferntree Gully football community.On behalf of the Ferntree Gully Football Club, our thoughts and prayers go out to Jake’s and Niall’s friends, teammates, and most importantly their families.If there is anything that the Ferntree Gully Football Club can do to assist through this extremely difficult time, please don’t hesitate to speak to someone on the executive.If you or you know of someone that may be in need of help, remember there is help available.”
The club confirmed that a memorial service for Fitzsimmons is being held this afternoon at the Boronia Football & Cricket Club.
Meanwhile a GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the Hargreaves family in the wake of the tragic loss of their Niall, which has already exceeded its $25k goal.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out the the Hargreaves and Fitzsimmons families, friends of both Niall and Jake, and the Ferntree Gully Football Club and its associated community.
Source: News.com.au.
Photos: Ferntree Gully Football Club/Facebook, GoFundMe.
