Daniel Stewart, the former Port Adelaide footballer who later became a gym owner, has died suddenly at 37 after suffering a medical episode.
Stewart, who represented the Power from 2010 to 2013, died on Friday.
After finishing his AFL career, the father of two established several Body Fit Training gyms across Melbourne with his close friend and former teammate Matt Thomas.
A BFT spokesperson confirmed that members were notified of Stewart’s death by email on Saturday morning.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we share the sudden passing of our dearly loved owner and friend, Daniel Stewart (Snowy), after an unexpected medical episode yesterday,” the message said.
“Snowy is so deeply loved by all who knew him; an incredible husband, father, friend, business partner to Matty, and a beloved part of the BFT community. Our hearts break for his family, for Matty, for his team who all have such close bonds with him, and for our community.”
“During this incredibly difficult time, our focus is supporting Snowy’s family, Matty, our team, and all of you. We ask that you are sensitive to the news and don’t ask further details out of respect for Snowy and his family.”
“We know you will have questions about what this looks like for you, and we’ll have more info for you over the coming days. We’re all here to support each other and thank you for your grace and patience.”
Former Port Adelaide player and gym owner Daniel Stewart has died suddenly at 37 following a medical episode
The news followed an emotional tribute from his wife, Laura, who shared a family photograph featuring the couple’s two sons on social media the next day.
“Devastated to confirm the loss of our world. A heart too big for this world. We love you so much daddy,” she wrote.
“Please respect our privacy as we navigate this incredible loss and prioritise our boys.”
Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said Stewart’s death had shocked everyone connected with the club.
“On behalf of everyone at Port Adelaide Football Club, I extend our deepest condolences to Daniel’s family, including his mum Donna, dad Byron, wife Laura, two sons Bernie and Lando and his brother Leigh,” Richardson said.
“We also extend our thoughts to his friends, including his close friend and former teammate Matt Thomas, and to all those at North Adelaide and Labrador who knew him.”
“Daniel was part of the Port Adelaide football family, and he always will be.
“A sudden passing like this is devastating and our thoughts are with everyone who loved him, and with the teammates, coaches and staff who shared the journey with him here at Alberton.”
Former Port Adelaide player Daniel Stewart has died suddenly at the age of 37
Stewart’s wife, Laura, shared an emotional tribute to him on social media the following day
The club said it would support those affected by Stewart’s death, including his former teammates and colleagues who worked alongside him.
‘We will honour Daniel by wearing black armbands in our first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027.’
Before Stewart’s passing, Thomas had shared a smiling photo on social media on Friday of the two men seemingly fresh from a workout.
’17 years of friendship. From teammates to business partners, to dads – and still each other’s biggest motivators,’ the caption said.
‘Still doing BFT classes because they work!!!! Respect the grind.’
During his career at the Power, Stewart played 36 games and kicked 31 goals.
The 200cm-tall forward was selected in the 2009 Rookie Draft after playing with North Adelaide in the SANFL.
He had worked his way up through the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador.
On Friday, Stewart’s close friend, business partner and former teammate Matt Thomas had shared a smiling photo on social media of the two men seemingly fresh from a workout
Stewart moved onto Port’s senior list at the end of 2009 and made his AFL debut against Geelong in round four the following season.
His career-best haul of four goals came against Richmond in the final round of 2010.
Fellow former Port Adelaide star-turned-commentator, Kane Cornes, paid tribute to Stewart on Saturday afternoon.
‘A true tragedy. A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face,’ he said on social media.
‘I loved watching him and his beautiful family from afar.
‘He built a thriving business and shared a special friendship with Matty Thomas. Heart goes out to his family.’
Beyond his achievements on the field and opening his gym franchise, Stewart had also spoken candidly about his battles with anxiety in 2013 when a serious shoulder and hip injury affected his performance as an athlete.
‘I felt like I had nothing. I lost my footy career… I couldn’t get a job, I broke up with my girlfriend,’ he told The Age in a 2016 interview, describing the moment he was de-listed.
‘I rang my mum and I started bawling my eyes out.’
Stewart took antidepressants for five months and credited treatment, family support and sessions with a life coach for helping him through the battle.