WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following story contains the name and image of a person who has died.
Former AFL player Phoenix Spicer has been remembered as "beautiful, loyal and strong" after his tragic passing.
Spicer, 23, died on Friday night, family said in a statement on social media on Saturday.
"On behalf of my sister Ky-ya and our family, we are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man," a family member wrote.
"Phoenix will forever be our beloved brother, uncle, son, a partner to Ky-ya and a second dad to Jordy.
"Our hearts are broken with your sudden loss, you are watching over us in the Dreaming now my brother we will miss you!
"Forever 23."
From Numbulwar in East Arnhem Land, Spicer played 12 AFL games for North Melbourne between 2021 and 2023 after being drafted form SANFL club South Adelaide.
He later featured across two seasons in the VFL with the Footscray Bulldogs.
Spicer had signed with Melbourne's Western Football Netball League club Hoppers Crossing for the 2026 season.
North president Dr Sonja Hood AM said on Saturday night: "Phoenix was only at the club for a short time but he was a popular and well-liked member of the playing group."
"On behalf of the club, I would like to pass on my condolences to Phoenix's family and friends at this extremely sad time," he said.
The Bulldogs also extended their deepest condolences on hearing the news.
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