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Alex Carey suffers heartbreaking loss as father passes away after long cancer battle

Soumyajit Dutta

Alex Carey with his father [Source: @Goti_saraf82/X.com]Alex Carey with his father [Source: @Goti_saraf82/X.com]

Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey is grieving the loss of his father, Gordon, following a long battle with leukemia. The cricketer was thankfully able to be by his father's side in South Australia during his final days, a blessing given his extensive travel commitments with the national team.

Alex Carey has postponed his departure for Australia's upcoming T20 tour of New Zealand and has cancelled a planned appearance at the AFL Grand Final. No decision has yet been made on his participation in the tour, with selectors granting him as much time as he needs to grieve with his family.

Carey's heartfelt tribute to father

The wicketkeeper-batter shared his grief on social media, posting a poignant message to honour his father's memory. He described Gordon as a central figure in his life and career.

On his Instagram account, Carey posted; “Rest in Peace Dad, I love you” to the man he described as a “mate, a coach and a mentor” and perhaps the biggest influence on his international career.

Gordon Carey was his son's biggest supporter, though his health challenges sometimes prevented him from attending major milestones in person. He was unable to attend Alex’s Test debut at the Gabba in 2021 due to chemotherapy treatments. However, his condition later improved, allowing him to fulfil his wish of watching his son play in Adelaide. 

Future plans and honouring his legacy

While Carey's immediate focus is on his family, it is understood his early inclination is to return to cricket soon as a way to honour his father's memory. Gordon loved nothing more than watching his son play.

Since his father's diagnosis, Alex Carey has become a patron for the Daffodil Foundation, passionately supporting cancer research. The cricketer has often spoken of his family's gratitude for the medical care that improved his father's quality of life, with Carey mentioning in a 2023 interview how thankful they were for the treatment received.