Tributes are flowing for Jim Stynes as football fans take to Twitter and Facebook in an outpouring of grief after the football legend finally lost his long battle with cancer this morning.
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And many Melburnians are driving with their car headlights on in a mark of respect that has swept through the city in the hours since Stynes passed away at home, surrounded by friends and family.
The former Melbourne footballer and Brownlow medal winner began trending worldwide on Twitter within minutes of his death becoming public.
"Jim Stynes" also became the number one trending topic among Australian Twitter users as fans and celebrities expressed their sadness.
Cricketer Shane Warne tweeted: "Very sad news with confirmation that Jim Stynes has passed away. Condolences to all the Stynes family & friends, he was an inspiring man !"
"RIP Jim Stynes. We'll miss you mate," said seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.
"My heart hurts to hear the passing of Jim Stynes. What a wonderful courageous human being. Sending love and light to the Stynes family." former Sydney footballer Brett Kirk tweeted.
Model Megan Gale wrote: "Deepest sympathies to Jim Stynes' friends and family. May he Rest In Peace."
The Irish community in Australia and overseas also took to Twitter to mourn the loss of Stynes.
"R.I.P To Jim Stynes who lost his brave battle with cancer today. Jim was an Irish Aussie Rules legend who many many people looked up to," Sean O Donovan from Ireland tweeted.
‘‘What a loss, RIP Jim Stynes, a wonderful life taken buy such an unkind illness. So sad, my heart aches for his family xxxx,’’ actor Shane Jacobson wrote.
‘‘Very saddened to hear about the passing of Jim Stynes. One of the true greats both on field and off. thoughts go out to his friends & family,’’ television personality Rove McManus tweeted.
Minister for early childhood and childcare Kate Ellis tweeted: ‘‘RIP Jim Stynes a truly remarkable human being who leaves an enormous legacyt. A champion on and off the footy field & in community sector.’’
Melbourne motorists turned on their car lights in honour of Stynes and MCG is flying its flags at half mast. Past and current AFL players— including Adem Yze, Nathan Jones, Nathan Thompson, Cameron Ling and Matthew Richardson— flocked to Twitter to pay tribute to Stynes.
