SHATTERED Geelong stars last night spoke of their devastation after news former teammate Casey Tutungi was diagnosed a quadriplegic.
Cats captain Joel Selwood was among a host of players who took to Twitter to express their sadness, with the family confirming the 27-year-old - due to become a father for the first time in November - will never move his arms and legs again.
Selwood called on the wider community to get behind the Casey Tutungi Future Fund, which has been established by the family to help with medical costs.
"Shattering news that we never wanted to hear. Please support #thespirit," Selwood voiced on Twitter, while pointing to the Geelong Advertiser article that offered ways to donate to the trust fund.
Other Cats expressing their sadness and calling on the public for support were Steve Johnson, Tom Hawkins, Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan.
"As a footballer this is as tragic a news as I've heard! please help support," Johnson wrote.
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Tom Hawkins said: "My thoughts go out to Casey Tutungi & his family. Lets all get around this champion and lend a hand".
Andrew Mackie said: "Words can't describe the thoughts I have about Casey Tutungi right now! So sad! #spirit."
Tom Lonergan added "Devastating news for Case and his family. Lets support the Casey Tutungi future fund. He's a fighter!"
The former Geelong VFL player was injured in a freak on-field accident in a local football match, his family have confirmed.
His father, Chris, and brother, Troy, spoke to the media outside the Austin today and provided media with a photograph of Casey and his fiancee, Bridget, at a friend's wedding just last month.
Tutungi remained in the Austin Hospital last night as his family broke the news.
Dad Chris said doctors had told the family his son's life was permanently changed.
"The medical staff at the hospital gave us the prognosis no parent of an active, strong, vital 27-year-old wants to hear," he and wife Carol said in a statement.
"Casey has been diagnosed as a quadriplegic."
The family have been rallying around the gifted footballer and civil engineer, who works at Barwon Water.
Casey, who will become a father for the first time when Bridget gives birth in November, has seen scans of his baby from his hospital bed.
The co-coach of Geelong Football League team South Barwon was injured during a clash against St Joseph's 17 days ago.
He had just gathered the ball when he ran into an opposition player's stomach.
He flopped backwards, screaming that he could not feel anything.
Doctors told the family that Casey had fractured and dislocated his C4 and C5 vertebrae, which had compressed his spinal cord and caused swelling.
The injury has stopped the brain sending messages to his arms and legs to get them to move.
Mr Tutungi said Casey, who was fully aware of his situation, had some movement in his shoulders and one of his biceps could slightly contract.
He said Casey had been making jokes with nurses despite his circumstances.
"He's still got his sense of humour," Mr Tutungi said.
"We'll give him all the support he needs. He won't let it stop him," he said.
The family have set up a trust fund to provide state-of-the-art medical equipment that could help Casey.
Donations to the Casey Tutungi Future Fund can be made at Bendigo Bank branches or via www.caseytutungi.com
By Alex Oates, Stephen Drill
Article first appeared Herald Sun July 09, 2013