South Australian footballer Sam May remains in a fight for his life after suffering serious injuries on Sunday night.
The 24-year-old West Adelaide player was airlifted to Royal Adelaide Hospital and placed in an induced coma on Monday. He remains in a critical condition in the ICU, with his family by his side.
May was separated from his teammates on a night they were celebrating their first win of the season in the annual Teakle Cup match in Port Lincoln. But no one knew he had fallen.
“What makes this even more devastating and more shocking for everyone in South Australian footy is that it wasn’t until his teammates went to board the plane back to Adelaide at Port Lincoln airport that they discovered he wasn’t there,” Hayden Nelson said on Sunrise.
A West Adelaide official raced back to the Pier Hotel and was one of the first to find May significantly injured at about 9 am.
May was treated at Port Lincoln Hospital before being flown to Royal Adelaide.
“Our thoughts and our wishes are with Sam and family during this difficult time,” West Adelaide’s Conny Wilson said.
May’s family described the situation as “awful and difficult” but they are thankful for the love, strength, and prayers he is being offered by those who know him.
The 182cm defender has played 35 games and kicked six goals at SANFL level for the Bloods since debuting in 2019.
A member of May’s family released a statement on their behalf on Monday afternoon.
“We are truly grateful for the incredible care our beautiful boy received in Port Lincoln (before) being transferred to Adelaide and now in the RAH,” Tom May said.
“He has been blessed to be surrounded by such caring, clever people. Our special thanks also to club doctor Megan Deakin, who was one of the first responders in assisting Sam.
“We are forever grateful that his loyal Westies family and the beautiful Heard family were by his side.
“Sammy is the light of our lives and we absolutely love and adore him as does everyone who is lucky enough to meet him. As awful and as difficult it is, we just need to wait now.
“Your love, strength, and prayers for our Sammy are appreciated beyond measure. We have always been so incredibly proud of Sammy, for all that he has achieved and the fabulous young man he is; he’s always been such an inspiration.
“We all know he has the heart of a lion and an amazingly brave spirit. He will be doing everything he can to get back to his best. Sincere thanks and much love.”
West Adelaide said their priority is the health and wellbeing of May and his family. The Bloods are due to host South Adelaide this Saturday.
The SANFL said it is supporting the club, May’s family, players, staff, and volunteers.
Outside football, May is a “valued member” of the tennis coaching team at his former school Prince Alfred College following a top junior career in the sport.
The school’s headmaster, David Roberts, said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of May’s injuries.
