Birdwood Football Club star Antonio Loiacono reveal his selfless final act after he died in AFL game
The brother of a footy star who tragically died aged just 20 after a horrific collision on the pitch has revealed that his selfless sibling will save the life of a baby boy and teen as an organ donor.
Antonio Loiacono was playing for the Birdwood Football Club in South Australia’s Hills Football League when he suffered critical injuries from a collision in the fourth quarter.
He was treated by specialist paramedics at Gumeracha Oval, 35 km north-east of Adelaide, during which his heart stopped for 30 minutes.
After being brought back to life, he was flown by helicopter to the Royal Adelaide Hospital late Saturday night, but tragically he was pronounced brain dead at 3pm on Sunday.
His heartbroken 19-year-old younger brother Jack Loiacono said the Adelaide tradie suffered the critical injury when he went to collect the ball in the side’s match against Gumeracha.
20-year-old South Australian Antonio Loiacono (left) has died after colliding in a football game – and his heartbroken brother Jack (right) has revealed that his brother, an organ donor, will selflessly save two lives
Loiacono, pictured playing for country footy club Waikerie, was injured during a match for Birdwood at Gumeracha Oval, Adelaide Hills region
The football mad star represented SANFL club Norwood at the under-18s level and was a promising player before the tragic incident
Loiacono (right) in a happy photo with Tigers star Jayden Short while vacationing in Koh Samui, Thailand
The blow was so violent that he went into cardiac arrest on the spot. He couldn’t breathe on his own,’ said Jack.
But out of the immense tragedy comes a silver lining: the family was told that because Antonio was an organ donor, he will save two lives, including that of a baby.
“Because he’s an organ donor, we’ll have some time with him until later tonight,” Jack said.
“He’s saving a boy and a 19-year-old, so that’s good news.”
Jack took to social media on Monday to share his anguish about the brother he called “my other half, my best friend and the person I look up to the most.”
“Words cannot describe the pain we all feel, you are loved by so many. You will always be in my heart and I will talk to you every day,” he wrote.
“Your aura was so special and put a smile on everyone’s face around him. You are the most caring, considerate person I have come across and have always looked after me.
“I am so grateful for all you have done and helped me, you are my guidance and always will be. Everything I do from today is for you; I love your ‘Show’ so much.”
If anything, Loiacono was the beloved, bubbly 20-year-old South Australian.
His social media pages show a young man with a zest for life and a love of travelling, music, friends and of course footy.
At least Loiacono was the beloved, bubbly 20-year-old South Aussie before his life was taken too soon
Jack Loiacono (right) said his brother Antonio (left), aka ‘Tones’, was loved by all who knew him
And his bittersweet, selfless final acts match how Jack will remember his brother: kind, caring and compassionate.
“He just wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time. He would wear the noisiest shirt, the craziest shoes. He was so unique,” he said.
“Everyone who knew him loved him. He was just the most respectful, loving and caring person.
“He lit up the room and put a smile on everyone’s face when he came in.”
The talented utility represented SANFL club Norwood at the under-18 level in 2019 and also played for top-flight Riverland Football League club Waikerie before moving to Hills powerhouse Birdwood.
Loiacono played his first game for the Roosters in their twilight game against rivals Gumeracha, and tragically, his mother was in the crowd when the clash happened.
But brother Jack said it was “humiliating” to say the least to learn that his brother had died while doing something he undeniably loved.
“He lived and breathed it,” he said of his brother’s love of footy.
That said, Aussie Rules was also a passion that led to Loiacono suffering several serious concussions, which meant he had to give up the sport when he was about 15 before returning to the game with tragic consequences.
“His last one, which happened a few years ago, was pretty bad. He had vomiting and amnesia for a day or two, but nothing as bad as this,’ Jack said.
The football-crazy youngster, pictured with brother Jack during the recent Swans v Tigers match in the Adelaide Oval for Gather Round, played for Birdwood, which is based in the Adelaide Hills region
Birdwood said that although Loiacono had only been with the club for a short time, he had made an immeasurable impact.
“The BFNC would like to extend our sincere condolences to Wendy, Sal, Jack and Allana and the extended family of Antonio Loiacono at this very difficult time,” the club said in a statement on social media.
“Antonio was only with our club for a few months, but his leadership and care for his new team will have a lasting impact.
“Rest in peace Antonio.”
Family and friends, shocked by the tragedy, paid tribute to the beloved friend, brother and son.
“Thinking of you Jack and your family mate at such a heartbreaking time. Tones was such a wonderful person, always had a smile, so respectful and full of character and time to come and say hello. He will be sorely missed and he will always be in your heart, mate,” a friend wrote.
“He always had time for everyone, was always so polite and sweet. Taken seriously too soon. Rest in paradise Tone,” another commented, while Loiacono’s aunt Nicole Wheatland said she was lucky enough to call “Tones” a nephew.
“Antonio was one of the most loving beautiful souls I could have called my cousin. Taken too soon you are in my love and thoughts,” she said.
Another friend spoke of the “special bond” the pair shared, with many agreeing that “Tones” would be “so proud” of Jack.
Antonio’s (right) brother Jack (left) shared memories of the two together
A nearby country footy league, which plays on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, said the Birdwood club, based in Adelaide’s picturesque Hills region, was in their minds at a time of “incredible sadness”.
The Great Southern Football League extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Birdwood Football Club player Antonio Loiacono.
“Community Football is what we live for and this is a really sad time when a player is cut short by an unfortunate incident on the pitch, regardless of the level of the game.
“Our collective thoughts are with his family and the Birdwood Football Club at this time of incredible sadness.”
Fellow Hills Football League club Onkaparinga also shared their grief over the tragedy and rallied behind their rival club.
“The committee, members, players and friends of the Onka-Valley Football Club are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Antonio Loiacono of the Birdwood Football Club following an incident on Saturday,” the club said.
“Our thoughts are with everyone at the Birdwood Football Club, and as a fellow Hills Football League Club, we stand with you at this sad time. RIP Antonio.’
“Community football is what we live for and this is a truly sad time when a player is brought down by an unfortunate incident on the pitch, regardless of the level of play,” the league shared in a Facebook post.
Our collective thoughts are with his family and the Birdwood Football Club at this time of ‘incredible grief’.
Adelaide Hills Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom said her thoughts today were with Antonio’s family and friends following the incident at the Gumeracha Oval on Saturday.
“Our thoughts also go out to the Birdwood Football Club community who will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event,” she said.
Valley, Antonio.