South Australia footy player youngest to donate brain to concussion research centre
Antonio Loiacono has become the youngest Aussie rules player yet to donate his brain for further research after passing away from a sporting injury.
The 20-year-old was laid to rest with a remembrance ceremony today following his sudden death from a sporting accident three weeks ago.
Loiacono's teammates and family members today paid tribute to the footy player with a guard of honour at the Hope Valley Oval, where he loved to play footy.
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Loiacono's teammates and family members paid tribute to the footy player with a guard of honour at the Hope Valley Oval. Nine
It was Loiacono's wish that his organs be donated. He has helped save six lives following his death.
Loiacono, who had a history of concussions, also had his brain donated to the Australian Sports Brain Bank, to help with further research into footy-related brain injuries.
"Antonio will be the youngest amateur Aussie rules player to have donated his brain to assist with further research," his mother said.
Loiacono collapsed during a Hills Football League match after an on-field collision three weeks ago, passing away the next day in the hospital.
A signed jersey from his favourite team, the Sydney Swans, was placed on his casket during the ceremony. Nine
"Antonio was one of life's top blokes, no one had a bad word to say about him. He loved his family and friends," his father said at the service.
A signed jersey from his favourite team, the Sydney Swans, was placed on his casket during the ceremony.
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