28/01/2022
💔💔💔
Today marks 7 years since, these two, very young men, took their own lives.
Hayden Butler, 20, was a Melbourne Storm junior and talented AFL player who moved to Mackay after playing with Burleigh Bears in the Intrust Super Cup.
St Kilda City president Rod Gamlin said players and staff at his club were devastated by the news.
“We can’t believe it. He was such a good bloke, we are all shocked by this. He was very talented and even though he was with the Storm I think he could have played AFL too. It is just sad mate.” Gamlin said.
Reagan Grieve, 18, was a two-time Australian Schoolboys representative player who also made the Queensland Maroons at under-16 and under-18 levels and played under 20s for the North Queensland Cowboys.
On the day Reagan took his life, he was laughing with mates saying “I’m feeling great”.
“He knew it was final, that was the point. I never saw it coming. No one ever does though. I don’t want any other mums to feel like I do. This has to stop.” Reagans mum Angela said.
“When people are on their couch yelling at their television because a player made a mistake they need to remember these are guys trying their best,” Angela said.
“I am just a mum. I am no authority on this but I hate to think there will be another family who will feel the way I do now. There are parents out there who don’t know who their club’s welfare officer is.”
As the new season is just around the corner, it’s important, to check in on those who are trying their best to reach their goals. Doing what they can to be happy, while fighting off all that makes them not.
Remember that your child, or another’s, is doing their best. They are learning, all the time, and should be afforded the opportunity to learn.
Remember that your mate, brother, sister, mother, father, whoever, also have their own struggles.
It’s easy to put pressure on others, but it’s very hard to take that pressure on board, with our own.
For those who are fighting depression, it isn’t weak to speak out. Speak up. Ask for help. The stigma shouldn’t be the deciding factor in anyones life.
Ask our mate, “R U OK”, not just on the “day”, but everyday.
We are all in this fight together, let’s tackle it together, shoulder to shoulder.
RIP Hayden (L) and Reagan (R).
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1800 657 667