Former Richmond player Shane Tuck has passed away, aged 38.
Tuck's death was confirmed in a statement from the club on Monday, with CEO Brendan Gale paying tribute to the 173-game Tiger.
“We’re incredibly saddened by the news of Shane’s passing, he will be missed enormously by everyone,” Gale said.
“We send our deepest condolences to Shane’s family and loved ones – his wife Kat, children Will and Ava, parents Michael and Fay, and the extended Tuck family.
“Shane was a warrior on the field, giving everything to the team each week, and a humble, fun-loving person off the field.”
The son of Hawthorn great and former VFL/AFL games record holder Michael Tuck, the Hawks also paid tribute following the news of Shane's passing.
"On behalf of the Tuck family, the Hawthorn Football Club is deeply saddened to inform the football community of the passing of Shane Tuck," a statement read.
"Shane passed away this morning at the age of 38.
"Hawthorn Football Club and the entire football community extend their deepest condolences to the Tuck family and ask that their privacy is respected during this time."
Tuck was originally drafted by Hawthorn as a rookie in 2000, though he didn't make an appearance at senior level for the club his father won seven premierships with.
After getting delisted and playing a season in the SANFL with West Adelaide, Richmond drafted him with pick 73 in 2003.
Tuck developed into one of the Tigers' most reliable midfielders, consistently among their best performers in a difficult era for the yellow and black, claiming six top-ten finishes in the best and fairest.
Following his retirement at the end of 2013, Tuck tried his hand at boxing, compiling a record of three wins, one loss and a draw.
An extremely brave and courageous warrior on-field. A big-hearted character off the field.
— Richmond FC 🐯🏆 (@Richmond_FC) July 20, 2020
You will be missed enormously by everyone, Tucky 💛
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