Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 12, 2024 12:05 pm GMT
Sam May, a rising star in Australian Rules Football, has officially announced his retirement from the game following a severe head injury sustained earlier this year. At only 24 years old, the West Adelaide Football Club player’s future in the sport has been drastically altered due to an accident that left him in a coma.
The Incident
On April 20, 2024, May fell through the roof of the Pier Hotel in Port Lincoln, where he had been with teammates after a match. The accident occurred late that night, and emergency services were not notified until the following morning when concerns arose about his absence from breakfast.
- Date of Accident: April 20, 2024
- Location: Pier Hotel, Port Lincoln
- Initial Condition: Placed in an induced coma
May’s teammates expressed their concerns when he didn’t show up for breakfast after the team’s recent loss to Norwood. The subsequent emergency response led to a dramatic situation where May was discovered with serious injuries.
A Remarkable Recovery
Despite the dire circumstances post-accident, May’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. Bloods coach Adam Hartlett called his progress “amazing,” highlighting the emotional impact of hearing May’s voice again after a harrowing period.
“I was sitting at home looking after my youngest daughter and I got a text from Sam at 9 am,” Hartlett recalled. “It was just incredible to hear his voice again.”
In the weeks following the incident, May not only made strides in his recovery but also maintained communication with his club and teammates.
Team Support and Community Response
The response from the West Adelaide Football Club and the wider football community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Upon his retirement announcement, the club shared a heartfelt message acknowledging May’s contributions:
“The West Adelaide Football Club would like to say thank you to Sam May, who has been an outstanding servant of the club. Courageous, role model, team-first, and resilient are just a couple of words that describe Sam’s tenure at the Bloods.”
Moving Forward
May informed the club about his decision to retire during a team meeting last Wednesday. He reflected on his time on the field, noting the deep connections he forged with teammates and supporters.
- Age at Retirement: 24 years
- Years at West Adelaide: Integral member for the past two seasons
Despite the end of his playing career, May expressed intentions to remain involved with the club and return for visits. He is regarded as an integral part of the Bloods family, and the love from his teammates and coaches is palpable.
A Bright Future Ahead
While his football journey has come to a close, May has a strong academic background to fall back on. He is a former student of the prestigious Prince Alfred College and has also achieved notable success as a junior tennis player, ranked number three in Australia.
He pursued studies in law and commerce at university, providing a solid foundation for future endeavors outside of sports.
“I want to thank everyone for their support during this tough time,” May said in one of his early messages after the incident. “I hope to contribute in other ways and stay part of the team.”
Conclusion
Sam May’s retirement marks a poignant moment for West Adelaide Football Club and the Australian football community. His tragic accident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the resilience of the human spirit. As he moves on to new chapters in his life, May’s story inspires many, demonstrating courage and determination in the face of adversity.
May has great support and a solid education, which will help him do well in whatever he decides to do next. The Bloods family wishes him the best in his future adventures and reminds him that he will always be a part of their family story.
