Tony Modra's family 'extremely grateful' for support after crash

The family of former Adelaide Crows player Tony Modra has conveyed their profound gratitude for the outpouring of support received since the AFL icon was seriously injured in a truck accident last week. Modra's wife, Erica, and the entire Modra family issued a statement expressing their deep appreciation for the "overwhelming show of love" from friends, extended family, the wider AFL community, and the public.

“

While it's not possible for us to get back to everyone individually right now, we are reading these messages and want you to know it means so much.

"While it's not possible for us to get back to everyone individually right now, we are reading these messages and want you to know it means so much," the statement read. The family shared that Modra was moved to tears upon learning how Crows fans had shown their support during a recent game. Modra was critically injured when the truck he was driving collided with a tree on Thursday afternoon near Victor Harbor, South Australia.

“

Our children, Hayley and Luke, have told their Dad how Crows fans showed their support during Saturday's game, and he was overcome with emotion and gratitude.

The statement confirmed that Modra has undergone two surgeries since the crash and is showing encouraging progress. However, his family acknowledged the severity of his injuries and the challenging period ahead. "There's a long road ahead," they stated, describing the incident as a "freak accident."

“

There's a long road ahead.

Modra's family specifically thanked three passers-by who stopped to provide immediate assistance, including two individuals trained in first aid. They also lauded the "extraordinary" professionalism and swift action of the emergency services and the medical staff at Southern Fleurieu Health Service and Flinders Medical Centre, stating, "we could not ask for better expertise and care." The family also acknowledged their son Luke's composure in coordinating the emergency response and their daughter Hayley's role as the first to reach the hospital.

“

We are extremely grateful to the three passers-by, including two people who were trained in first aid and another who provided comfort, who stopped to help within seconds. The emergency services' professionalism, care and swift action were extraordinary as well. Without doubt, they all played a critical role in saving Anthony's life.