Footy star Sam May who suffered horrific head injuries and was left in a coma after fall from pub roof makes a life-changing decision

West Adelaide footballer Sam May has announced his retirement from football after suffering a brain injury following a shocking fall from a pub earlier this year.

May, 24, was seriously injured when he fell through a roof at the Pier Hotel in Port Lincoln on April 20. He was placed in an induced coma shortly afterwards.

May became separated from his team-mates, who were at the stadium after their 13-point defeat to Norwood, and concerns only arose the following morning when he failed to turn up for breakfast.

The following morning, emergency services were called to the pub after reports of a man falling through the roof.

May has made a remarkable recovery since the accident but has decided to hang up his football boots for good.

“The West Adelaide Football Club would like to thank Sam May, who has given an outstanding performance to the club,” the team announced on Monday.

‘As a result of the brain injury he sustained, Sam will retire from football. Sam informed his teammates and the football department last Wednesday evening.

‘He is very popular and is an important part of the club and has been part of the leadership group for the past two seasons.

Sam May has made an incredible recovery from his terrible accident but has now said goodbye to his Aussie Rules career for good

‘Courageous, role model, team oriented and resilient’ are just a few words that describe Sam’s time with the Bloods. He always wore the red and black jersey with pride.

“We wish Sam all the best in his next chapter and he will always be part of the Bloods family.”

Bloods coach Adam Hartlett called May’s recovery from serious head and facial injuries “astonishing” and “unbelievable”.

“I was at home babysitting my youngest daughter on Friday and I got a text from Sam at 9 a.m.,” Hartlett said in May.

“He says, can I call you and chat?” I say, buddy, let’s talk.

‘We spoke for about 10 minutes and it was just incredible, incredible to hear his voice again.

May fell through a roof of the Pier Hotel (pictured) in Port Lincoln on April 20 and emergency services were not alerted until the following day

“He wanted to wish the boys good luck for the game (Saturday’s game against North Adelaide) and say he really appreciated the support that myself, the club and the boys have given him.

“It was great to hear from him and I think he’ll come to the club soon to say hello.”

May was a former student at the prestigious Prince Alfred College. She was also a gifted tennis player, ranked third in the country as a junior.

He studied law and commerce at university.