Family of premiership-winning footy player who committed suicide aged 23 reveals his mental health struggles
The family of a South Australian Football League player who committed suicide last week has spoken out about the “excruciating pain” he endured.
Nick Lowden passed away last week and his family donated his brain to concussion research.
The 23-year-old’s mother, Kerry, explained that Lowden’s mental health issues were laid bare for them.
“The pain was unbearable (for Nick),” she said The Adelaide Advertiser.
“Until people have walked in those shoes, they can’t say suicide is weak, because it’s not. When you get to that stage, you don’t see a way out.”
Lowden’s mother revealed that his mental health began to deteriorate after he suffered a concussion aged 18 while playing for Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup.
Nick Lowden died last week after committing suicide at the age of 23
Lowden (pictured here with his three sisters) suffered a serious concussion at the age of 18
“He spoke double Dutch after that game, he kept asking the same three questions a million times, we were very concerned,” she said.
“We don’t blame anyone, but from that point on we noticed that his mental health really started to deteriorate.”
As a result of the concussion, Lowden had to miss about six weeks of football and lost a significant amount of weight.
His mother said the family was “devastated” and “scared” by the incident.
After moving through the ranks in Gippsland, Lowden had hoped to be selected in the AFL Draft.
However, the concussion put an end to his plans.
“From that point on, we kind of had a five-year battle with his mental health,” Kerry added.
After being passed over by AFL clubs, Lowden played in the VFL for the Casey Demons before moving to South Australia to play for Norwood in an effort to put himself on the radar of AFL recruiters.
The talented midfielder won the 2022 premiership with the Redlegs, but his mental health deteriorated again after a year plagued by injuries last season.
Last month he told his parents he “couldn’t handle it” before returning to Traralgon in eastern Victoria where he trained with the senior team on August 1.
It turned out to be the last day most of his friends and family would have contact with him.
In a statement released last week, Norwood paid tribute to the late star.
The midfielder (left) played for Casey in the VFL before joining Norwood in the SAFL
Lowds played several key roles, but few were more impressive and memorable than his role in the victorious 2022 SANFL Finals.
Nick put in a solid performance early this year before a calf injury in Round 9 interrupted his season.
Nick will be remembered by all his teammates along with the Norwood Football Club coaches, volunteers, support and administrative staff.
“We all extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
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