The partner of former North Melbourne forward Phoenix Spicer, has revealed that the 23-year-old died as a result of a sudden brain aneurysm. His partner, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, is now hoping to raise awareness by urging others to ‘get checked’ and ‘listen to your body’. On Sunday, Nicholson Ward wrote on Facebook that her 'heart is broken' following Spicer's passing. Tributes have poured in for Spicer, with North Melbourne president Sonja Hood stating: ‘Phoenix was only at the club for a short time but he was a popular and well-liked member of the playing group. In 2023, Spicer had assisted artist Emma Bamblett to design North Melbourne’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey.

Source: Daily Mail January 18, 2026 10:30 UTC