WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains an image of a deceased person.
The family of a former North Melbourne player who passed away have spoken out against “misinformation” involving his death.
Ex-Kangaroo Phoenix Spicer passed away last week aged, 23.
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The sister of Spicer’s partner, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, who revealed the heartbreaking news last week, again took to social media to respond to rumours surrounding Spicer’s passing.
“There’s a lot of misinformation going around right now and I want to make it VERY CLEAR, our brother Phoenix did not take his own life,” Dharna Nicholson-Bux said in the post.
“Tragic, sudden and unexpected.
“If you hear or witness these rumours please shut them down to protect his heart and dignity while he makes his journey to the Dreamtime.”
Spicer played 12 AFL games for North Melbourne from 2021 to 2023 after getting drafted out of South Adelaide in the 2020 draft.
He played two VFL seasons for the Footscray Bulldogs in 2024 and 2025.
“On behalf of my sister Ky-ya and our family, we are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man,” Dharna’s post from Saturday read.
“Phoenix will forever be our beloved brother, uncle, son, a partner to Ky-ya and a second dad to Jordy.
“Our hearts are broken with your sudden loss, you are watching over us in the Dreaming now my brother we will miss you! Forever 23.”
Spicer last week received tributes from the footy world including from North Melbourne.
“Phoenix was only at the club for a short time but he was a popular and well-liked member of the playing group,” Roos president Dr Sonja Hood said
“On behalf of the club, I would like to pass on my condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
Spicer’s former manager, Greg Size, provided a statement to foxfooty.com.au on his passing: “The Deliver Sports Management family is heartbroken at the passing of much loved client and friend Phoenix Spicer.
“We feel privileged to have been involved in his life. He was indeed a special person, and we loved him.
“We are thinking of Ky-Ya and her and Phoenix’s family, and request that their privacy is respected at this time.
“Phoenix’s family and friends understand the interest of well-wishers, but asks for the avoidance of speculation as to his cause of death at this difficult time.”
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