FORMER West Coast star Chris Mainwaring was walking around his backyard screaming for help just an hour before he died of a suspected heart attack overnight on Sunday. He refused help from ambulance paramedics who when called out a second time would find him unconscious at his Cottlesloe home.
Mystery still surrounds the sudden death of the 41-year-old dual premiership player, as the close-knit West Australian football community comes to terms with the shock loss of one of its favourite sons.
Police have refused to confirm reports his death was drug-related, but close friends have said they were worried about his state of mind in recent weeks. Health experts have said that the combination of Mainwaring's age and a punishing exercise workout on Sunday morning may have left him vulnerable to the effects of ecstasy.
On Sunday Mainwaring sparred with former Australian Test batsman Justin Langer, in preparation for a kickboxing bout on Thursday. It is believed wayward fellow Eagle Ben Cousins visited on Sunday also.
Police have confirmed they were called to Haining Avenue in Cottlesloe about 11.25pm after reports of a man yelling and calling for help in the street.
They found Mainwaring outside but apparently calm. He was left in the care of a neighbour and reportedly went home without incident shortly after.
But an hour later, ambulance officers — called again by his neighbour — were back at the house after Mainwaring began suffering seizures. He was unconscious when they arrived.
He was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital but could not be revived. Mainwaring is survived by his wife Rani, and two children, Maddy, 8, and Zac, 6.
None of his family members were in Perth the night he died.
Speculation is rife as to what caused Mainwaring's death.
Former footballer Brad Hardie said friends had been worried about Mainwaring's state of mind following a falling-out with several Eagles players over his handling of the Cousins drug controversy and other personal problems.
"There have been concerns about Chris over the last couple of weeks now," he said. "Obviously things weren't totally together in his private life."
Australian Medical Association emergency medicine spokesman Dr David Mountain said seizures were often the result of low sodium, caused by poor hydration, which can follow exercise and ecstasy use. "If sodium levels get very low, then it can cause seizures," he said. In 1993 Mainwaring pleaded guilty to possessing marijuana. He twice lost his licence for drink-driving.
Yesterday past and present Eagles players met at the home of West Coast coach, and Mainwaring's ex-teammate, John Worsfold for a wake, remembering one of WA football's most decorated players. Mainwaring played 210 games, was in two premiership sides, and was a Perth TV presenter.
With WEST AUSTRALIAN
CHRIS MAINWARING
BORN December 27, 1965
DIED October 1, 2007
RECRUITED FROM: East Fremantle (WA)
PLAYED: West Coast, 1987-99, 201 games, 84 goals
HONOURS: premiership player 1992, 1994; 2nd best and fairest 1989, 1992, 1996; 3rd best and fairest 1987, 1988; All-Australian 1991, 1996; WA representative in eight matches 1987-92 (captain in 1991); West Coast life member 1994.
