Mother of footy player who died on the field aged just 20 accuses club of making a mind-blowing mistake that stopped them from saving his life

The mother of a 20-year-old footballer, who tragically died on the playing field, has claimed in a document filed in the High Court that a defibrillator that could have saved her son’s life was ‘left in a locked cupboard in the Gumeracha’. club rooms’.

Antonio Lo Iacono lost his life after sustaining serious injuries while playing for Birdwood Football Club in the Hills Football League in South Australia on April 22, 2023.

The talented footballer’s family were searching for answers after his sudden death, with the 20-year-old having no underlying health conditions.

It is understood he had returned to the field of play too early after suffering two head injuries during the match between Birdwood and Gumeracha and tragically falling victim to a condition known as ‘second impact syndrome’.

Lo Iacono was knocked unconscious after suffering the second head injury during the third quarter of the match. Paramedics treated the player on the ground while his heart stopped for 30 minutes. He was then taken by helicopter to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, but sadly died the next day.

His family has been searching for answers after his unexpected death. His mother’s legal advisor has now filed an affidavit in the High Court.

According to The advertiserAccording to an affidavit filed in the High Court by lawyer Greg Griffin, acting on behalf of Wendy Smith, Lo Iacono’s mother, the defibrillator was locked in a cupboard at the Gumeracha Oval.

It is also claimed that the medical staff did not have a key to open the cabinet.

Mrs Smith was at the match on the day her son died and is taking legal action against the South Australian National Football League, the Birdwood and Gumeracha Football Clubs and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital over her son’s death.

“The Gumeracha defibrillator could not be located by trainers or medical personnel [with] it was left in a locked cupboard in the Gumeracha club rooms to which none of the medical staff had a key,” Mr Griffin wrote in the statement.

“The delay in bringing the defibrillator onto the playing field to assist in Antonio’s resuscitation wasted crucial minutes that contributed to Antonio’s death.”

The affidavit also claims that the CPR given to the player after he fell unconscious was “of no practical use” because it was “misapplied by those who attempted its application.”

Second Impact Syndrome occurs when someone who has not fully recovered from a head injury experiences a second injury, causing the brain to swell.

Lo Iacono suffered both head injuries during the same football match. He suffered the first head injury during the first quarter, after being left on the ground after a heavy collision. The 20-year-old would return to the field of play and suffer the second collision in the third quarter.

Adelaide tradie Antonio Loiacono (photo left) with his younger brother Jack Loiacono

It is understood he had also suffered concussion in a pre-season trial match a month before his death, and suffered another concussion while playing for Waikerie in 2022.

Reports suggest Mr Griffin has written to both Birdwood and Gumeracha football clubs to find out what training has been given to staff on how to use a defibrillator.

Under the AFL’s injury management guidelines, all clubs are advised to have a defibrillator available at every match or training session. Doctors must also have obtained a resuscitation qualification ‘that is current and up to date’.

Mr Griffin has also filed an application in the High Court asking the SANFL to provide documents relating to the football league’s concussion policy.

It comes after inquest findings claimed the SANFL replaced its concussion protocols with the AFL regulations on its website following Lo Iacono’s death.

Lo Iacono died of second impact syndrome after sustaining two head wounds during the match

Antonio’s (right) brother Jack (left) shared memories of the two together after his death

According to The Advertiser, the league had originally required players suspected of suffering a concussion to be evaluated within 10 minutes of the injury occurring. If not, they will not be allowed to return to the field and will require a medical clearance before returning in the following weeks.

Under current AFL guidelines, the league says a player suspected of suffering a concussion “should be medically assessed as soon as possible after the injury and should not return to play in the same match or training.”

Mr Griffin also wants to obtain ‘medical certificates, reports and documents’ from the SANFL which ‘confirm Antonio’s capacity to participate in the Birdwood v Gumeracha match’. Ms Smith’s legal counsel has also requested documents showing how the SANFL developed their concussion protocols and correspondence with the AFL on the matter.

A SANFL spokesperson told The Advertiser: “The case was with their lawyers and it was won; comment at this time.”