Former AFL player Phoenix Spicer’s family speak out after cruel rumour spreads following his sudden death at 23

Phoenix Spicer’s family has spoken out after a painful rumour spread online following his sudden death. The former North Melbourne player died on January 2, 2026. He was only 23. Soon after the news broke, posts began to claim Phoenix Spicer had taken his own life. His family says that is not true. They are now asking people to stop sharing it.

The message came from those closest to him. They said his death was tragic, sudden, and unexpected. They also said the false talk is hurting them while they grieve. Family members asked the public to respect Phoenix Spicer’s name and let them mourn in peace.

Phoenix Spicer’s family deny suicide reports after his death on January 2

On Sunday, January 4, 2026, Dharna Nicholson-Bux spoke out on Facebook. She is the sister of Phoenix Spicer’s partner, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward. In her post, she made things very clear.

“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,” she wrote. She added that his death was “tragic, sudden and unexpected.”

Dharna Nicholson-Bux also asked people to stop repeating the rumour. “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,” she said.

Support quickly followed online. Many Australians replied to her post with kind words. “Thinking of you all during this time, and saddened to hear that these rumours are being spread,” one person wrote.

“Not allowing those who loved him to grieve without this extra layer of hurt.” Another message said, “So disrespectful and invasive. No need for sticky noses to know everything. Stay strong.”



The family’s message was shared widely across social media. Friends also repeated the same request. They want the focus to stay on remembering Phoenix Spicer, not on false stories.

Phoenix Spicer was drafted by North Melbourne with pick No. 42 in the 2020 AFL National Draft. He played 12 AFL games before being delisted at the end of 2023.

Over the past two seasons, Phoenix Spicer played in the VFL with Footscray, the Western Bulldogs’ affiliate team. He played 18 games there.

In September 2025, he was named an emergency for Footscray’s VFL grand final win.

Just months before his death, Phoenix Spicer had signed to play for Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season.

Phoenix Spicer was from Numbulwar, a remote community in east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. He was a proud Nunggubuyu man.

On Saturday, January 3, Dharna Nicholson-Bux also shared a tribute. “We are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man,” she wrote. “Forever 23.”

North Melbourne president Sonja Hood also released a statement. “Phoenix was a popular and well-liked member of the playing group,” she 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.”

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