AFL community in grief after death of rising Tasmanian star Samara Whitney

Samara Whitney, 16, who performed for Wynyard Soccer Membership and was a part of the Tasmania Devils program, died on Tuesday.

Miss Whitney, who attended Marist Regional School and was generally known as a “pocket rocket” on the sphere, has been remembered as a “loveable younger girl”.

“It’s with nice unhappiness and heartache, we acknowledge the sudden passing of Samara Whitney,” Wynyard FC mentioned in a social media put up, The Mercury reported.

“Samara has been part of the WFC household since juniors and performed an integral position in our Senior Ladies’s Premiership facet this yr.

“A vibrant & loveable younger girl who has made her mark on the WFC as a passionate and proficient participant, who had a giant future forward of her.

“Our younger gun, our pocket rocket, our quantity 2 … such a optimistic affect for all. Somebody who had an ideal reference to each our membership and the broader neighborhood. It will final endlessly.

“A real star who shone brilliant each inside and outside.

“We thanks for permitting us to be part of your journey and for bringing a lot mild (and) pleasure into so many lives.”

Miss Whitney’s principal Gregg Sharman mentioned she was one of many faculty’s brightest stars.

“Greater than soccer, Samara was a vivacious, charismatic, participating, pleasant, and compassionate pupil to each particular person,” Mr Sharman mentioned.

“Samara had a brilliant future in a whole lot of facets of her life.

“Our faculty is deeply saddened and we share our prayers, sympathy and condolences with [her parents] together with their daughters presently.”

Mr Sharman praised faculty employees who had been supporting college students and their households, a lot of that are extraordinarily distressed.

A GoFundMe web page has additionally been arrange by pals to assist Ms Whitney’s mother and father Kym Smitheram and Seton Whitney cowl her funeral prices.

In a heartfelt message organiser Sasha Burr mentioned Tuesday was “a day that each one of us will always remember”.

“It was the day we learnt the tragic information that Samara Whitney #2 was now not with us.

“Time has since stood nonetheless for her household, pals, faculty neighborhood and sporting golf equipment as all of us start to grieve and navigate life with out our particular lady.”

AFL Tasmania additionally acknowledged Ms Whitney’s passing, remembering her as a “beloved member” of the neighborhood.

“AFL Tasmania extends its deepest sympathies to the Wynyard Soccer Membership, North West Soccer League and Tasmania Devils communities following the sudden passing of Samara Whitney,” they mentioned.

“Samara was a beloved member of the Wynyard Cats and the Tasmania Devils program, having additionally represented the NWFL on this yr’s Ladies’s All Stars Collection.

“Our ideas are with Samara’s pals, household and members of the Tassie footy neighborhood.”