The Australian rules football player, who was in an induced coma, suffered “life-changing injuries” after falling from a pub roof, it has been reported.
Sam May, 24, of the West Adelaide Bloods, fell from the roof of the Pier Hotel in Port Lincoln, South Australia, early Sunday morning, according to 7News.
The incident happened after the Bloods played a SANFL match against Norwood at Centenary Oval for the annual Teakle Cup.
Seven reports that May climbed onto the roof after becoming separated from his teammates. No one knew he had fallen until the team arrived at the airport to catch their flight home later Sunday.
A Bloods official found him seriously injured at the hotel around 9 a.m.
Sam May, 24, is in an induced coma after reportedly suffering “life-changing” injuries in an incident outside a pub in Port Lincoln, South Australia.
May is a defender for the West Adelaide Bloods in the SANFL competition. He was placed in an induced coma after suffering “life-altering injuries” in an off-field incident.
May, a 182cm defender, recorded seven disposals, three goals and three tackles in the match which took place at the Norwood regional area on the Eyre Peninsula.
His club released a statement confirming only that an “incident” had occurred.
“The West Adelaide Football Club can confirm that senior men’s player Sam May was involved in an early morning incident in Port Lincoln on Sunday morning,” Bloods general manager Conny Wilson said.
“Our priority is the health and wellbeing of Sam and his family as well as the wider West Adelaide community.”
May fell through the roof of a pub in Port Lincoln in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The injured player’s family thanked club doctor Megan Deakin, who was one of the first people on scene to help May.
May’s family also released a statement thanking her supporters for helping them through this difficult time.
“We are truly grateful for the incredible care our beautiful boy received in Port Lincoln (before) being transferred to Adelaide and now to the RAH,” his family said in a statement.
“He was fortunate to be surrounded by such caring and intelligent people. Special thanks also to club doctor Megan Deakin, who was one of the first responders to help Sam.
“We are forever grateful that his loyal Westies family and the beautiful Heard family are 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 horrible and difficult as this is, we just have to wait now.
“Your love, strength and prayers for our Sammy are appreciated beyond measure. We have always been incredibly proud of Sammy, everything he has achieved and the fabulous young man he is; he has always been such an inspiration.
“We all know he has the heart of a lion and an incredibly brave spirit. He will do everything he can to get back to his best. Sincere thanks and lots of love.
“Sue, Daz, Tom and Sam.”