'Sad day': AFL rocked by tragic death of Essendon legend
The AFL world is mourning the death of beloved former Essendon club doctor Bruce Reid.
He was 74.
Reid took indefinite leave from the club late in 2018 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of internal organs.
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The tragic news was confirmed on AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday.
“It's sad news for everyone, especially (wife) Judy and the kids,” Essendon great Brendon Goddard said.
“The footy club was almost like a sanctuary for him, he just loved the club and the boys.
“He has had such an immense impact on so many people's lives. Such a wonderful man.”
Tributes flow after death of Bruce Reid
Reid was the longest-serving senior doctor in the AFL and had been at Essendon for 36 years.
He previously worked at Richmond from 1976 to 1979, before moving to Essendon in 1982.
He also played two years at Hawthorn in 1966 and 1967, featuring in three senior games.
The devastating news comes just days after Reid was announced as one of four Essendon figures who will be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2021.
Reid, along with Gavin Wanganeen, Neale Daniher and Dustin Fletcher, were unanimously nominated by the club’s Hall of Fame committee.
Reid was club doctor during Essendon’s infamous supplements scandal, but was later cleared of any wrongdoing.
He was given life membership at the club in 1994 and the Jack Titus Recognition of Service Award from the AFL in 2010.
Tributes have been flowing for Reid on social media.
“Absolutely shattered to hear of the passing of Bruce Reid,” Essendon great Scott Cummings wrote.
“Some ppl just leave a lasting positive mark on u and that to me is the meaning of life. My heart goes out to his family and all my ex teammates and other Essendon players and staff who love him so much.”
Absolutely shattered to hear of the passing of Bruce Reid. Some ppl just leave a lasting positive mark on u and that to me is the meaning of life. My heart goes out to his family and all my ex teammates and other Essendon players and staff who love him so much. #valebrucereid
— Scotty Cummings (@ScottyCummings_) October 27, 2020
Vale Dr Bruce Reid.
A wonderful contributor to the @essendonfc and @AFL
A lovely man with a great sense of humour.— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) October 27, 2020
So sad.
A great man, Doc. https://t.co/cZwQAc1A9v— Mark Stevens (@Stevo7AFL) October 27, 2020
Goodbye my old friend - RIP Dr Bruce Reid pic.twitter.com/Um2MjyEKSU
— John Quinn (@JQuinn_01) October 27, 2020
R.I.P Bruce Reid #legend #MightyBombers ⚫️🔴
— Big T (@Big_T_2) October 27, 2020
R.I.P Doctor Bruce Reid and a big contributor to the Essendon Football Club
— Shane (@Shanemetal666) October 27, 2020
RIP Dr Bruce Reid. Very sad day from mad bombers fans to death
— 🔴⚫Andy Bombers 🔴⚫ (@andy_bombers) October 27, 2020
RIP Dr Bruce Reid - A Bomber man thru and thru! #MightyBombers https://t.co/hqdv967Pbv
— Jack Rabbit ⚽️🇦🇺 (@JackR176) October 27, 2020
As important, loved and respected as anyone in the history of the Essendon Football Club. Never played or coached but for what he was to Essendon and football a genuine colossus of our club and the game. Vale Dr Bruce Reid. 🙏✨✊⚫️🔴⚫️✊😞 https://t.co/bv0Kp3Blcl
— EssEnDoN-Proud Lifer (@KRUDLER62) October 27, 2020
Sad news about Bruce Reid, legend of the Essendon Football Club. RIP.
— Anthony Silvestro (@AnthSilvestro) October 27, 2020
Devastated to hear the passing of Dr Bruce Reid. Absolute legend of a person. Sincere condolences to Bruce’s wonderful family, friends and @essendonfc #LoveYaBruce #Legend pic.twitter.com/Z4LVAZBux9
— Sam (@Sheehan_Sam8) October 27, 2020
Heartbreaking news this morning. @essendonfc Dr Bruce Reid has lost his battle to cancer. I used to love having a chat to Bruce at training about him and the boys. You will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace xoxo ❤🖤 pic.twitter.com/TQLE1T8imj
— Jade Hockey (@HockeyJade) October 27, 2020
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