Footy star Tom McDonald and his wife share heartbreaking photo and tribute after their baby daughter was stillborn

  • The couple shared the devastating news on Instagram
  • AFL identities and fans were quick to pay their respects
  • Each In Australia, six babies are stillborn in one day

Melbourne Demons veteran Tom McDonald and his wife Ruby have revealed their heartbreak after their daughter Goldie was stillborn.

The shattered couple shared the devastating news on Instagram and posted a touching tribute of them cradling their baby in hospital.

“On Sunday evening January 21st at 11:55pm our beautiful Goldie Joan McDonald was born sleeping and became our angel above,” the caption read.

“I’ll watch over us and her siblings until we meet again in wonderland.

‘We are truly heartbroken to have lost our baby girl at 20 weeks, but know she will be with us forever and ever.

Melbourne Demons veteran Tom McDonald and his wife Ruby are devastated after their daughter Goldie (pictured together) was stillborn

The couple are parents to Bella, four, (pictured, front right at her birthday party) and Leo, two

The couple are parents to Bella, four, (pictured, front right at her birthday party) and Leo, two

Ruby McDonald's post saw a number of football figures pay their respects, including champion midfielder Christian Petracca and Demons legend Nathan Jones

Ruby McDonald’s post saw a number of football figures pay their respects, including champion midfielder Christian Petracca and Demons legend Nathan Jones

‘Thank you to everyone who has and continues to support our family, we will never be able to thank you enough for your kindness, love and care.

“Please bear with us as we navigate through life without our Goldie girl in our arms.”

In the post, a number of football figures paid their respects, including champion midfielder Christian Petracca and Demons legend Nathan Jones.

The couple have daughter Bella, four, and son Leo, two.

McDonald made his senior debut in 2011 for the Dees after being recruited from the 2010 AFL draft.

He has remained a one-club player, winning a premiership in 2021.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and WelfareEvery day, six babies are stillborn across the country, affecting more than 2,000 families each year.