Local community in shock over sudden death of young sports star

A local community has been left reeling after the sudden death of a young sports star.

The Templestowe football and cricket clubs, in northwest Melbourne, announced the heartbreaking death of 26-year-old player Nick Mustafa on Monday.

Mr Mustafa last laced up his boots in a win for the Templestowe Dockers reserves team on June 1.

The cricket club’s president Jodi Hannington remembered Mr Mustafa as a local legend and a ‘much loved’ figure around the club.

‘He was one of us, part of our family. He was a mentor, coach (and) friend,’ Ms Hannington wrote in a post to Facebook.

Ms Hannington said Mr Mustafa was ‘one of us, part of our family’ and committed himself to mentoring and coaching younger players.

‘The kindest and most loving, caring person you could meet and we were blessed to have you both play and be a part of our cricket and football family,’ she wrote.

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‘Your engaging smile and beautiful hugs will be forever missed and your legacy will live on. 

‘Your tips, pointers and care for all of the youth will be a huge void. 

‘Thank you for the wonderful memories and our heartfelt condolences go out to all the family.’

Templestowe Football Club president, Russell Smith, shared similar memories of the young player and extended the club’s ‘heartfelt condolences’ to his family.

Mr Mustafa’s brother, Jaron, thanked both clubs for being a ‘major part’ in his brother’s life.

‘The club was his second family and we appreciate all the kind words, thoughts and support,’ he wrote.

Doncaster Cricket Club, where Mr Mustafa played at a youth and senior level, were similarly devastated by their former player’s death.   

‘He was a very well-liked and valued member of both our on field playing and off the field socially as well,’ the club’s junior coordinator, Stephen Mears, wrote.

‘Nicky always had a smile on his face and keen to have a chat, he also made a point of always coming up and saying hello whenever he had the opportunity and keen to help out wherever possible.

‘It’s so sad that at such a young age, you will no longer be around to see your smiling face and to have a chat.’

Fellow players also took to social media to share their grief, with many remembering him as a great teammate and friend on and off the field.

A memorial service for Mr Mustafa will be held on Friday.