- Rowan Andrews, 38, died on January 12
- Ex-pro AFL player turned agent in 2016
- Provides protection for Barack Obama
- READ MORE: Police officer found dead at a train station
- For confidential crisis support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14
A cop found dead at a train station once served as Barrack Obama’s personal protection officer when the former US president visited Australia.
The body of Rowan ‘Rooster’ Andrews, 38, was found at Laverton train station, about 25km west of Melbourne’s CBD, just before 5am on January 12.
His tragic death is not considered suspicious.
The married father-of-two became a police officer in 2016 after a promising career as an AFL player.
Mr. Andrews is remembered by close friends as a loving family man, a gifted sportsman, a talented carpenter and a dedicated police officer.
“His prowess in law enforcement earned him a well-deserved spot on the Critical Incident Response Team,” Aiden Rischin further wrote GoFundMe.
‘Here he showed exceptional skills and leadership, which earned him a position in the Close Personal Protection Unit.
Rowan ‘Rooster’ Andrews, 38, was found by authorities at Laverton train station, about 25km west of Melbourne’s CBD, just before 5am on January 12. He is survived by his wife Alice and their two sons, Max and Isaac (photo)
Tributes poured in for the popular police officer, with one former club describing him as a ‘gentle giant and the ultimate teammate’
“During his time in the CPP, Rowan provided protection to many prominent dignitaries.
“He was selected as personal protection officer for Barack Obama’s visit, highlighting Rowan’s reliability and capabilities.”
Mr Andrews grew up in Hobart, Tasmania, before his ‘exceptional sporting skills’ earned him a draft pick with the Adelaide Crows at the age of 18.
“This was just the beginning of Rowan’s football journey as he moved to various states in Australia to perfect his craft,” Mr Rischin wrote.
“Highlights included playing for Tasmania in the VFL, back-to-back premierships with Ainslie Football Club in the NEAFL and claiming the best and fairest title with Avoca in Victoria after playing just ten games that season.”
Mr ANDrews served as Barrack Obama’s Personal Protection Officer when the former US President visited Australia (Obama is pictured with his wife Michelle)
Mr Andrews (pictured) is remembered by close friends as a loving family man, a gifted sportsman, a talented carpenter and a dedicated police officer
However, his talents were not limited to the football field.
“In addition to Rowan’s varied skills, he excelled as a skilled carpenter,” Mr Rishin added.
“He has completely renovated two single-family homes over the past five years and generously assisted friends on several projects.”
He was also an ‘avid animal lover’ and had recently signed up for the Victoria Police canine unit.
Mr. Andrews is survived by his wife, Alice, and their two toddler sons, Max and Isaac.
a GoFundMe pagewhich was set up to ‘ease the financial burden’ on the young widow, has raised over $19,000 to date.
A Victoria Police spokesperson previously told Daily Mail Australia they would “prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a man in Laverton”.
“He was found deceased at Laverton train station at around 4.50am on January 12,” the spokesperson added.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious. The man was an off-duty police officer.”
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The married father-of-two (pictured) became a police officer in 2016 after a promising career as an A FL player