A talented young Australian rules footballer has died unexpectedly overseas as his distraught family prepared to bring his body home.
Joel Paredes, from Victoria, was a popular member of the Warragul Industrials Football Club, nicknamed The Dusties, about an hour east of Melbourne.
“Due to a tragic accident abroad, we lost our beautiful cousin,” wrote Felicity Paredes in a GoFundMe.
Ms. Paredes is organizing the fundraiser on behalf of Joel’s parents, his brother Justin, his sister Natalie and their partners.
“We are amazed at how many lives Joel touched and the positive impact he had,” she said.
“I think we can all agree that we will miss that beautiful, cheeky smile of his that lit up every room he walked into.
“Given the unexpected nature of this tragedy, the financial burden of bringing Joel home and supporting our family during this difficult time is overwhelming, and any help would be deeply appreciated.”
Paredes was a great traveler and his social media was full of snaps from his holidays in Bali, Queensland and the ski slopes of Victoria.
Joel Paredes from Victoria died in an accident while abroad. His family and his former football club have paid tribute to him
Mr. Parades was a talented footballer, a great traveler and a car enthusiast.
Paredes also seemed to have a passion for cars, as he recently renovated his Ford XR6 sedan.
His former football club and Darwin’s St Mary’s Football Club paid tribute to Mr Paredes.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family of former Dusties player Joel Paredes during this difficult time,” Warragul Industrials wrote.
‘St Mary’s Football Club sends its deepest condolences to Nate Paredes and his family on their loss. Thinking of you all during this sad time,” St Mary’s wrote.
‘Rest in peace Joel.’
His family has not revealed any further details about the accident.