A talented young Australian footballer has died unexpectedly overseas as his distraught family prepared to bring his body home.
Joel Paredes, from Victoria, was a popular member of the Warragul Industrials Football Club – nicknamed The Dusties – about an hour east of Melbourne.
“Due to a tragic accident abroad we have lost our beautiful cousin,” Felicity Paredes wrote on a television page GoFundMe.
Ms Paredes is organizing the fundraiser on behalf of Joel’s parents, his brother Justin, his sister Natalie and their partners.
“We are in awe of how many lives Joel touched and the positive impact he had,” she said.
“I think we can all agree that we will miss that beautiful, cheeky smile of his that lit up every room he entered.
“Given the unexpected nature of this tragedy, the financial burden of bringing Joel home and supporting our family during this difficult time is overwhelming, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.”
Mr Paredes was an avid traveler and his social media was full of photos of holidays to Bali, Queensland and the ski resorts of Victoria.
Joel Paredes of Victoria died in an accident while overseas. His family and former football club have paid tribute to him
Mr Parades was both a talented footballer and an avid traveler and had a passion for cars
Mr Paredes also appeared to have a passion for cars, having recently refurbished his Ford XR6 sedan.
His former football club and St Mary’s Football Club in Darwin both paid tribute to Mr Paredes.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family of former Dusties player Joel Paredes at this difficult time,” Warragul Industrials wrote.
“St Mary’s Football Club extends its sincere condolences to Nate Paredes and his family for your loss. Thinking of you all at this sad time,” St Mary’s wrote.
‘Rest in peace Joel.’
His family has not released any further details about the accident.