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Melbourne’s football community has been rocked by the death of a rising star who ‘lived and breathed’ the world game.
Jeremias Sprague, 20, died from a suspected heart attack on December 15 in suburban Melbourne while ‘on the pitch, doing what he loved’, according to his heartbroken father.
The captain of Berwick City SC Reserves squad this season dreamed of one day playing for the Socceroos, with his passion for football making ‘Jem’ a popular figure with his teammates.
‘He was a wonderful kid,’ coach Randal Ward told News Corp.
Melbourne’s football community has been rocked by the death of rising star Jeremias Sprague, who ‘lived and breathed’ the world game
The 20-year-old (pictured bottom right with his parents and sisters) died of a suspected heart attack on the field on December 15 in suburban Melbourne
In his youth, Sprague represented Victoria at state level and headed abroad to Spain and Thailand to chase his sporting dream
Berwick City SC – where Sprague played his football – posted online that Jem was ‘not just a skilled player on the field but also a cherished teammate and friend to many’
‘He ate, slept, and drank soccer.
‘Jem had a very natural demeanour that drew people to him.’
Berwick City SC posted online that Jem was ‘not just a skilled player on the field, but also a cherished teammate and friend to many’.
Another commenter suggested ‘remembering the joy and camaraderie that Jem brought into our lives’, with a third labelling Sprague a ‘beautiful human being with an unrivalled passion and love for football’.
A memorial for Sprague will be staged on December 22 at the Berwick Church of Christ, in Melbourne’s south-east.
To help his grieving family, a Go Fund Me page has been established, with over $12,000 raised as of Wednesday morning.
Sprague leaves behind his devastated parents and four sisters.
