- The great Brisbane Lions came close to dying in December
- A digger rolled towards him near his Queensland home
The family of Brisbane Lions premiership winner Aaron Shattock has revealed he is still sedated and in intensive care, more than two weeks after he almost died when he was crushed under a digger at his Queensland home.
The 44-year-old father-of-three was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital with multiple life-threatening chest injuries on December 22 after being freed by emergency services.
‘Aaron remains sedated and in intensive care at GCUH. “He underwent surgery yesterday for his broken ribs and broken/dislocated arm, which was successful,” the star’s family said in a statement on Thursday.
‘We are hopeful of his recovery and will provide further updates as he makes progress.
“Our family is extremely grateful for everyone’s continued support, love and prayers.
“Your kindness means the world to us and continues to give us strength during this time.”
The family of AFL premiership winner Aaron Shattock (pictured) have revealed he remains in intensive care after being crushed by an excavator in December
The Lions star (pictured playing for Brisbane in 2002) has had surgery to repair his broken ribs and broken and dislocated arm
Shattock played 57 games for Brisbane between 2000 and 2004.
Notably, he came on as a substitute in the 2002 Grand Final and helped the Lions beat Collingwood for their second successive premiership.
He would later move to Port Adelaide where he would make eleven appearances before being dropped by the club in 2006.
It was reported that emergency services arrived at the scene of the accident around 2 p.m. and had to use the jaws of life to free Shattock, who was trapped under the excavator for some time.
The police are also said to have investigated the incident.
After retiring from the AFL, Shattock moved to the Gold Coast and would take up a role as player-coach with QAFL side Labrador.
He would eventually become a senior coach at the club.
Once the news broke, Shattock’s former Lions teammate, three-time premiership winner Micahel Voss, described him as a “crushingly good guy” and told the club’s website: “I can’t believe it… it’s horrible at any time, but just before Christmas the time has come. worse. Our prayers are with him and his family.”
The Labrador club released the following tribute: ““Shatts” is much loved by his family, friends and the entire Labrador community. A true Labrador person and life member. Aaron has been an important part of our club since 2007: as a player, assistant coach, senior coach and committee member. His passion for our club is unparalleled and his presence is much appreciated.”