International sports star, 37, dies suddenly as wife and children completely 'devastated'

An international sports star has died suddenly aged 37, with his wife sharing a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram/

Daniel Stewart has tragically died at the age of 37. (Image: Getty Images)

Former Australian Rules star Daniel Stewart has died suddenly at the age of 37. In a heartbreaking tribute, his wife Laura revealed that she and their two children have been left 'devastated' by his passing. Stewart represented Port Adelaide in the AFL between 2010 and 2013, playing 36 matches and scoring 31 goals for the Power.

The key forward was selected with pick No. 35 in the 2009 rookie draft. Stewart was signed from North Adelaide, having previously come through at Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador.

Taking to Instagram, Laura shared a photograph of herself, Daniel and their two children alongside a deeply moving tribute. "Devastated to confirm the loss of our world," she wrote.

"A heart too big for this world. We love you so much daddy. Please respect our privacy as we navigate this incredible loss and prioritise our boys."

Port Adelaide have confirmed that their players will wear black armbands during their first home fixture at the Adelaide Oval in 2027 as a mark of respect for Stewart.

A statement from Power chief executive Matthew Richardson read: "On behalf of everyone at the Port Adelaide Football Club, I extend our deepest condolences to Daniel's family including his mum Donna, dad Byron, wife Laura, his two sons Bernie and Lando and his brother Leigh.

"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.

The Port Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former player Daniel Stewart, who died yesterday at the age of 37.Our thoughts are with everyone who loved him, and with the teammates, coaches and staff who shared the journey with him here at Alberton ❤️https://t.co/YJFvzuGnI3
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) October 24, 2026

"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.

"The club will provide support to those affected by Daniel's passing, including his former teammates and the people who worked alongside him. We will honour Daniel by wearing black armbands in our first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027."

Stewart's former Port Adelaide team-mate Kane Cornes also paid his respects, writing: "A true tragedy. A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face.

"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."