Cam McCarthy dead: Former Fremantle Dockers and GWS player found unresponsive in Perth

Mitchell Woodcock and Shannon Hampton
The Nightly
Cam McCarthy has died, aged 29.
Cam McCarthy has died, aged 29. Credit: AFL Media

Former AFL star Cam McCarthy has died at the age of 29.

It is understood paramedics and police were called to Lake Coogee, in Perth’s south, about 6.15pm on Thursday.

“Upon arrival, it was confirmed a 29-year-old male was deceased,” police said.

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“The death is being treated as non-suspicious.

“A report will be prepared for the coroner.”

McCarthy played 49 games for Fremantle and 21 games for Greater Western Sydney after being drafted from South Fremantle with pick No.14 in 2013.

The forward controversially walked away from the Giants at the end of 2015, sitting out the final year of his contract before being traded to the Dockers.

Cam McCarthy has died, aged 29.
Cam McCarthy has died, aged 29. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Media

McCarthy spent three seasons on Fremantle’s list, kicking 63 goals including leading the club’s goal-kicking in 2017.

During his last season in the AFL system, McCarthy was diagnosed with epilepsy after collapsing at training.

He quit the club in late 2020 after being told he would not be offered a contract for the following season.

He would return to South Fremantle for the next two seasons but would play only 10 league games before walking away from the game.

In a statement on Friday, South Fremantle Football Club said it was “deeply saddened” by the news.

“Cam is remembered not just as a prodigious football talent, but as a popular, compassionate and caring person who had time for everyone at our Club. He will be dearly missed,” the statement read.

“The entire South Fremantle Football Club community offers condolences to the McCarthy family at this difficult time.”

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