A talented young Australian footballer has died unexpectedly overseas as his distraught family prepare 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 overseas, we lost our beautiful cousin,’ Felicity Paredes wrote on a GoFundMe.
Ms Paredes is organising the fundraiser on behalf of Joel’s parents, his brother Justin, his sister Natalie, and their partners.
‘We are in awe of how many lives Joel touched and the positive impact he had,’ she said.
‘I think we can all agree 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 assistance would be deeply appreciated.’
Mr Paredes was a keen traveller with his social media filled with snaps from holidays to Bali, Queensland and Victoria’s ski fields.
Joel Paredes from Victoria died in an accident while overseas. His family and former football club have paid tribute to him
Mr Parades was a talented footballer as well as a keen traveller and had a passion for cars
Mr Paredes also appeared to have a passion for cars, having recently done up his Ford XR6 sedan.
His former football club and the St Mary’s Football Club in Darwin both 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 sincere condolences to Nate Paredes and his family for your loss. Thinking of you all during this sad time,’ St Mary’s wrote.
‘Rest in Peace Joel.’
His family have not released further details surrounding the accident.
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