Cam McCarthy dead: Former Fremantle Dockers and GWS player found unresponsive at Lake Coogee

Former Fremantle Docker Cam McCarthy has died at the age of 29. It is understood paramedics and police were called to Lake Coogee, in Perth’s south, about 6.15pm on Thursday. “Upon arrival, it was confirmed a 29-year-old male was deceased,” police said. “The death is being treated as non-suspicious. “A report will be prepared for the coroner.” McCarthy played 49 games for Fremantle and 21 games for Greater Western Sydney after being drafted from South Fremantle with pick No.14 in 2013. The forward controversially walked away from the Giants at the end of 2015, sitting out the final year of his contract before being traded to the Dockers. McCarthy spent three seasons on Fremantle’s list, kicking 63 goals including leading the club’s goal-kicking in 2017. He quit the club in late 2020 after being told he would not be offered a contract for the following season. He would return to South Fremantle for the next two seasons but would play only 10 league games before walking away from the game. In a statement on Friday, South Fremantle Football Club said it was “deeply saddened” by the news. “Cam is remembered not just as a prodigious football talent, but as a popular, compassionate and caring person who had time for everyone at our Club. He will be dearly missed,” the statement read. “The entire South Fremantle Football Club community offers condolences to the McCarthy family at this difficult time.” Premier Roger Cook said McCarthy’s death was “unbelievably sad”. “This is someone who we understand died in non-suspicious circumstances so our heart goes out to that family and (his) friends who must be really hurting today,” he said. “I also want to acknowledge the pain that the Fremantle Football Club will be feeling today. “As we know, every elite sportsperson has a range of pressures in their lives and when they move on from their sporting careers those pressures remain, and this is a really sad day.” McCarthy was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2020 after collapsing at training. Last year, he was caught drink driving eight times over the legal alcohol limit near Harvey, in the South West. He blew 0.414 and was fined $2500 and had his licence disqualified for 10 months. Fremantle players and staff members will wear black armbands for their game against Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium tonight in a tribute to the forward.