American, 30, who tried to make it in the AFL is killed in horror bike smash in Northern Territory
- Aspiring AFL player Alexander Aurrichio, 30, died on Monday in cycling accident
- He collided with another car while riding his bike in Howard Springs, NT
- Aurrichio moved to Australia in 2014 from the US to pursue a career in the AFL
- He played for several state league teams in Australia and was a ‘fan favourite’
A young American who moved to Australia to pursue a dream of playing in the AFL has been killed in a horrific cycling accident.
Alexander Aurrichio, 30, died around 7pm on Monday after colliding with a Nissan Patrol while riding his bike in Howard Springs, southeast Darwin.
The driver, along with witnesses, tried to assist Aurrichio, who played for several state league teams across Australia – but he could not be saved.
Tributes have since poured in for the ‘lovable larrikin’.
Alexander Aurrichio, 30, (left) died around 7pm on Monday after colliding with a Nissan Patrol while riding his bike in Howard Springs, in the Northern Territory
Aurrichio moved from New York to Australia in 2014 and played in Carlton’s reserve team in the Victoria Football League before joining the South Adelaide in the SANFL in 2017.
He also had a stint with Southport in the North East Australian Football League.
Southport Sharks co-captain Andrew Boston remembered the American as a ‘brother’.
‘When he first came to the club you could see he was a big man with a strong voice but everyone gravitated to him. He is a bloke everyone wanted to be around,’ Boston told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
‘He leaves a massive hole here. It’s a tough loss in football but even bigger loss because we are a family at Southport and it feels like we have all just lost a brother.’
The young player, nicknamed ‘Rooch’ moved to Australia from New York in 2014 to pursue a career in the AFL
A GoFundMe page has since been set up for Aurrichio (left) to raise money to bring him home to his family in New York
Aurrichio moved to the Top End last year and played in the NTFL for the Waratahs who also paid tribute to ‘Rooch’ in a heartwarming message.
‘Please take some comfort in knowing Rooch was loved by his family, spreading across Australia. His Waratah mates are currently getting together to support each other after the loss of their beloved team-mate,’ the Waratahs Football Club said.
‘Rooch came to the club and made an instant impact with his strong play on the field and even stronger character off the field. He quickly became a favourite at Tahs!
‘We are all in disbelief that we have lost such a lovable larrikin. Rooch will be remembered fondly… and sorely missed.’
The South Adelaide Football Club also offered their condolences to the young star’s family.
The ‘loveable larrikin’ was well loved by former teammates and coaches who paid tribute to him following his tragic death
‘Alexander Aurrichio, or ‘Rooch’ played eight games for the Panthers from 2017-2018, but he leaves an impact far greater than the eight league games he played,’ they said.
‘Over the next couple of seasons, he would make a lasting impact with his teammates, staff and would quickly become a fan favourite thanks to his larger than life personality and iconic mullet.’
At the time of the collision, police confirmed the driver was not harmed and was not in custody.
A GoFundMe page had since been set up to bring Aurrichio’s body home to his family in the US.
So far more than $55,000 has been raised.
He was also well known for his ‘iconic mullet’ (second from right)