‘Truly heartbroken’: AFL world saddened as Blues star reveals family tragedy
The AFL community has wrapped its arms around Carlton’s Zac Williams after the star posted his sister Sam had died yesterday, losing her battle with cancer.
In a devastating Instagram post, the 28-year-old Blues star shared a tribute on Instagram for his beloved sister.
“Truely heartbroken but my beautiful sister Sam passed away yesterday. She taught me so many things and showed me the true meaning of strength and love,” he posted.
Williams only went public at the end of April with Sam’s terminal diagnosis.
Sam had previously beaten cancer but days before Christmas in 2021, the family was told the cancer had returned to the mother of three.
In April, the family released a statement to the public.
“We wish more than anything we didn’t have to write this but on December 22nd, 2021, just three days before Christmas, our world was shaken when we were informed Samantha has cancer for the second time,” the statement at the time read.
“Now over a year later and Samantha is still fighting a now terminal diagnosis.
“As you can imagine this has had a huge emotional, physical and financial impact on Sam and her family.
“Samantha has a wonderful husband and three beautiful children who are doing their best to adjust to their wife and mum’s ongoing battle.”
The AFL world has wrapped its arms around Williams.
His club Carlton posted: “All of us are with you, Zac”.
The club he played 113 of his 136 matches, GWS Giants, also commented: “Sending our love to your and your family.”
Cats star and former teammate Jeremy Cameron wrote: “Love ya bro”.
Fellow former teammate and now Magpie Bobby Hill added: “With you brother”.
Pies midfielder Jack Crisp said: “Thinking of you and the fam man.” while his wife Mikayla wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear of your sisters passing️ sending love and strength to you all in what must be such a difficult time xx”.
Williams, who ruptured his ACL in February and will miss the entire season, has helped raise $25,200 of a $30,000 goal through GoFundMe to go towards the family.
