Former Australian Football Player Phoenix Spicer Passes Away at 23, Leaving Us Heartbroken

Phoenix Spicer.
Credit:

Quinn Rooney/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Phoenix Spicer, a 23-year-old former Australian Football League (AFL) player, died on Friday, Jan. 2.
• Spicer, who was originally from Numbulwar, played for the North Melbourne Football Club from 2020 to 2023.
• A loved one described the late athlete as “a beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man.”

Former Australian Football League (AFL) player Phoenix Spicer has passed away at the age of 23. His death occurred on the evening of January 2, as confirmed by Dharna Nicholson-Bux, the sister of his girlfriend, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward.

In a heartfelt Facebook post dated January 3, Nicholson-Bux expressed her grief: “We are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man.”

She continued, “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!”

The cause of Spicer’s death has not been disclosed.

Phoenix Spicer in 2023.

Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty

Spicer was drafted into the North Melbourne Football Club in 2020, making his debut in 2021. His final appearance with the team occurred in 2023. He hailed from Numbulwar, a remote community in northern Australia, and was a proud member of the Nunggubuyu Indigenous group.

North Melbourne President Dr. Sonja Hood AM acknowledged Spicer’s brief time at the club, stating, “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.”

The North Melbourne Football Club publicly mourned Spicer’s passing, expressing their deep sadness in a statement: “North Melbourne is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former player Phoenix Spicer. We extend our condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”