Sports fans around Australia are in shock following the sudden death of NRL legend Lance Thompson. The athlete, who played for the St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla Sharks between 1995 and 2008, was reportedly found dead in his Cronulla apartment by his 17-year-old-daughter. He was just 40 years old.
In a statement issued by NRL, police were called to Thompson’s home around 9pm after receiving calls about a man’s welfare. The death is not being treated as suspicious, although a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Footballers and fans alike have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness at the devastating news.
Keith Galloway, who last played as a prop for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League, described Thompson as his hero. Sharing a picture of the footballer playing for St George, he shared a touching tribute.
He wrote: “Very sad to hear the passing of Lance Thompson overnight, one of my childhood favourites and a local hero who I looked up to and was lucky enough to get to know over the years, champion bloke and player. Rest In Peace Mate!”
The #NRL is in mourning following the death of former @NRL_Dragons and @Cronulla_Sharks forward Lance Thompson.https://t.co/Eny9PYeyAI pic.twitter.com/ZoswvDzk6E
— NRL (@NRL) August 23, 2018
Footy star Martin Lang was also shocked by the news and described Thompson as “a genuinely good guy”, admitting he was always a tough opponent in the game.
Very sad to hear the passing of Lance Thompson overnight, one of my childhood favourites and a local hero who I looked up to and was lucky enough to get to know over the years, champion bloke and player. Rest In Peace Mate! pic.twitter.com/0K5yWQK3g7
— Keith Galloway (@kgalloway85) August 23, 2018
My thoughts go out to Lance Thompson’s family and friends. This is awful. A genuinely good guy and a wholehearted, tough opponent.
RIP Lance— Martin Lang (@Martin_Lang11) August 23, 2018
Meanwhile, sports commentator Andrew Voss struggled to find words to describe how he was feeling.
“I am absolutely numb at the news of Lance Thompson passing away,” he wrote. “If you watched Lance on The Fan this year, you would appreciate what a genuine & hard working man he was. Shattered for his family. He proved you don’t need to have won GF’s or played for your country to be a champion.”
I am absolutely numb at the news of Lance Thompson passing away.If you watched Lance on The Fan this year,you would appreciate what a genuine & hard working man he was. Shattered for his family.He proved you dont need to have won GF's or played for your country to be a champion.
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) August 23, 2018
Meanwhile, an array of other football greats payed their respects to their fallen mate.
Total loss for words. Lance was one of the toughest forwards I’ve played with & looked after all of us young guys coming through the @NRL_Dragons The world just lost a great dude🙏🏼 https://t.co/fLmMp4uiK1
— Ashton Sims (@ashtonsims26) August 23, 2018
Can't believe the news about Thommo. One of the best players to play with and a great man away from the field! Absolutely lost for words. 😢 RIP brother
— Greg Bird (@Birdman_013) August 23, 2018
Terribly sad news of Lance Thompson’s passing. Had a beer with him last Thursday. My god! RIP Thommo. Thoughts with his family and friends
— Darryl Brohman OAM (@therealbigmarn) August 23, 2018
Throughout his football career, Thompson played 201 games for St George before playing three seasons with the Sharks. He began playing football in 1995 as a teenage and was forced to retire because of debilitating pain in his knee.
In more recent times, he ran several restaurants.
Proudly Australian owned and operated