Jim Stynes - Dies

[bornadog]

Report coming through now. Very sad for someone so young.

Update from The Age:

Former Melbourne footballer Jim Stynes has died.

Stynes' wife Sam said confirmed the Melbourne Demons great died at 8.20am "in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by friends and family".

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou last night sent a message of support to the Brownlow medal winner and his family after it was revealed he had taken a turn for the worse.

"We hear reports that Jim Stynes is gravely ill, can you update us as to the situation?" Mike Sheahan asked the AFL chief on Fox Footy's On the Couch program.

"I can't say much other than Jim isn't well as we all know," Demetriou replied.

"And I think at this point in time our thoughts are with Jim and his family."

The 45-year-old has had brain surgery six times and more than 20 tumours removed in the past three years.

He stepped down from his role as president of Melbourne Football Club last month.

The club said this morning it was unable to comment on Stynes’ health.

The news comes less than a week after Stynes was presented with a blazer at a Melbourne Football Club commencement dinner.

‘‘Jim was there and was looking quite frail, he didn’t stay all that long but it was great to see him make it,’’ one fan said on an internet forum.

There has been an outpouring of support for Stynes on social media and the former footballer's name began trending on Twitter in Melbourne last night.

[The Coon Dog]

What champion in every way, terribly sad news. Thoughts are with his family.

[cinder]

The most awful news, he battled so well for so long with it. Thoughts are with his wife & young family

[whythelongface]

Very sad news. A true champion of the game and in life. A real people's person.

RIP

[Daughter of the West]

The most awful news, he battled so well for so long with it. Thoughts are with his wife & young family

Can't even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for them, and going through it in the glare of the media as well.

Very, very sad indeed.

[OLD SCRAGGer]

Such sad & tragic news. What a true champion Jim was, not just in football but in life..R.I.P Jim. Thoughts & prayers with his Family & Melbourne Football club

[Murphy'sLore]

Very sad news. He was such a lovely man and contributed so much. Heart aches for his family.

[Bulldog4life]

Such an inspirational man to those who didn't know him. I can imagine the heartache to those that did.

[LostDoggy]

So very very sad. Could not help but shed a tear. RIP Jim and hope his family find strength to help them in this sad time.

[Scraggers]

Had the honour of meeting him four years ago ... Truly inspirational person.

RIP Jim

[neddie]

Slan Seamus. Ta laoch imigh se uainn. Go dtuga Dia a bheith in eineacht leat. RIP

[Eastdog]

Very sad news. RIP Jim Stynes such a true inspiration to many people. Thoughts are with your wife and family.

[Remi Moses]

Just a great person .
Very Very sad day

[westdog54]

He inspired me with his feats on the field during his long, illustrious career.

He inspired me when he brought the wonderful Reach organisation to my school.

He inspired me with his courageous fight against that cancer that slowly consumed him.

He inspired me one last time in person when we had a brief chance meeting last year.

He will continue to inspire me with the legacy he leaves behind. That of an eternally courageous, selfless, dedicated and talented individual that is truly irreplacable.

Rest Peacefully Jim, your work here on earth is done.

"PARADE! ATTEN-TION!"

[ratsmac]

What a great person who inspired so many. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Jim.