The family of former Australian Football League (AFL) player Phoenix Spicer has issued a heartfelt plea to the public, urging them to stop spreading false rumours about the cause of his death. The 23-year-old athlete passed away suddenly on January 2, 2026, sending shockwaves through the sporting community.
Family's Public Plea Against False Narratives
In the painful days following the tragedy, distressing online speculation emerged, falsely claiming that Spicer had died by suicide. This prompted an immediate response from his grieving loved ones, who categorically denied these claims. They described his passing as "tragic, sudden, and unexpected" and stressed that the baseless gossip was causing them additional anguish during an already devastating time.
Leading the call for truth and respect was Dharna Nicholson-Bux, the sister of Spicer's partner, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, she took to Facebook to set the record straight. "There's a lot of misinformation going around right now and I want to make it VERY CLEAR, our brother Phoenix did not take his own life," she wrote emphatically.
She further appealed to the public's sense of decency, asking them to protect Spicer's dignity. "If you hear or witness these rumours please shut them down to protect his heart and dignity while he makes his journey to the Dreamtime," her post read, referencing his Indigenous heritage.
Outpouring of Support and a Storied Career
The family's message resonated widely across social media, garnering an outpouring of support from Australians. Many condemned the spread of rumours as disrespectful and invasive, offering condolences and strength to the bereaved family. Friends and supporters echoed the request, urging the focus to remain on celebrating Spicer's life and legacy rather than amplifying falsehoods.
Phoenix Spicer's football journey was one of promise. He was drafted by the North Melbourne Football Club with pick number 42 in the 2020 AFL National Draft. He went on to play 12 AFL games before being delisted at the end of the 2023 season.
Demonstrating resilience, he continued his career in the Victorian Football League (VFL), playing for Footscray, the Western Bulldogs' affiliate team. Over two seasons, he played 18 VFL games and was named an emergency for Footscray's victorious VFL grand final team in September 2025. Looking ahead, he had recently signed to play for Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season.
Remembering a Proud Nunggubuyu Man
Tributes have highlighted not just Spicer the athlete, but Spicer the man. He was a proud Nunggubuyu man from Numbulwar, a remote community in east Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. In a tribute posted on January 3, Dharna Nicholson-Bux remembered him as "a beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man. Forever 23."
The North Melbourne Football Club also mourned his loss. Club president Sonja Hood released a statement saying, "Phoenix was a popular and well-liked member of the playing group. On behalf of the club, I would like to pass on my condolences to Phoenix's family and friends at this extremely sad time."
The incident underscores the profound real-world impact of online speculation, especially in moments of acute grief. Spicer's family's primary request remains for privacy, respect, and the space to remember and mourn a young life lost too soon, free from the burden of harmful misinformation.
