The AFL community is sending condolences and well-wishes to Jordan Dawson and his family after the death of the Adelaide Crows captain’s brother. Jaryd Dawson was found dead on Wednesday in Robe in South Australia’s south-east.

SA Police said there were no suspicious circumstances regarding the “sudden death” of the 35-year-old, who had been missing since Tuesday afternoon. Jaryd’s wife Jessica had earlier made a plea on social media to help find him.

Jordan Dawson and family, including brother Jaryd.

Jordan Dawson’s brother Jaryd has passed away at age 35. Image: Getty/Jordan Dawson

She posted a heartbreaking message on Instagram on Thursday morning alongside a photo of Jaryd and their new baby. “The last photo I took of my two boys, just two days prior,” she wrote. “I was feeling so incredibly rich in life. Now my heart is shattered into a million pieces. Huddy and I will love you and miss you forever and ever and ever.”

Jordan Dawson, the younger brother of Jaryd and the captain of the Crows, missed the club’s training session on Wednesday. Coach Matthew Nicks told reporters he wouldn’t be training due to ‘personal reasons’.

Jaryd Dawson was a talented footy player in his own right, winning two best-and-fairest awards for the Robe Roosters Football Club. He played in the A-Grade grand final for Robe last year in the Mid South Eastern Football League.

Jaryd Dawson and his wife.

Jaryd Dawson had recently become a new father. Image: Jaryd Dawson

AFL world rallies around Jordan Dawson and family

On Wednesday night, the West Coast Eagles were among the many to send their condolences. “We are sending our deepest condolences and support to Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson and his family after the tragic passing of his brother Jaryd,” the club wrote on X.

A fan wrote: “I cannot imagine what Jordan Dawson and the wider Dawson family are going through right now. Thoughts with them all.” While another commented: “Horrible news, heart goes out to Jordan and all of the Dawson family and their friends.”

The Crows are due to play St Kilda on Saturday night at the Adelaide Oval. It’s unknown at this stage whether Jordan will take his place in the side.

Jordan has played 160 AFL games to date. After starting his career at the Sydney Swans, he moved back to South Australia to play for the Crows in 2022.