Phoenix Spicer: Partner reveals what caused ex North Melbourne footballer’s death

The partner of former North Melbourne forward Phoenix Spicer has revealed the cause of the footballer’s shock death earlier this month.

Spicer died on January 3 as a result of a sudden brain aneurysm, according to his partner Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, as she looks to raise awareness in the wake of his passing.

The 23-year-old played 12 games for the Kangaroos between 2021 and 2023 after being drafted out of South Adelaide in 2020 before spending the past two seasons playing VFL for the Footscray Bulldogs.

In an emotional social media post, Nicholson Ward recalled what she said “was the most traumatic experience of my life”.

“I’ve decided to share what happened to my darling Phoenix, not because I have to, but because I want to raise awareness,” she posted.

“Phoenix took his last breath on Friday the 2nd of January but he DID NOT take his own life.

“I found him… we tried with everything we could to save him but we didn’t know he was already gone. It was the most traumatic experience of my life.

“Days later we found out that Phoenix passed into the Dreaming from a sudden brain aneurysm. He never complained of headaches or showed any signs that something was wrong.

“Please, if you can, get checked and listen to your body. This can happen to anyone, at any time.

“My heart is broken.”

North Melbourne paid tribute to Spicer after hisdeath with president Sonja Hood saying: “Phoenix was only at the club for a short time but he 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.”

There will be two memorials for Spicer this week, with one in Melbourne on Tuesday before a second at the South Adelaide Football Club on Thursday.