The AFL world has paid tribute to goal umpire Jesse Baird and partner Luke Davies following the tragic news surrounding the pair this week.
“Grave concerns” were held for the welfare Baird, 26, and Davies, 29, after their bloodied possessions were found in a skip bin in Cronulla on Wednesday morning.
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Baird’s former partner Beau Lamarre, 28, handed himself in at Bondi Police Station shortly after 10.30am Friday and was subsequently charged with their murder.
A search continued on Saturday for their bodies.
Baird was scheduled to umpire Thursday’s practice match between Sydney and GWS.
He joined the umpiring ranks in 2020 went on to umpire 62 AFL matches, including two finals.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the distressing news today regarding Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies,” the AFL said in a statement on behalf of CEO Andrew Dillon.
“As the police investigation continues we understand it is a very upsetting and confronting time for all involved especially for Jesse and Luke’s families and those at the AFL who had a relationship with Jesse through his umpiring.
“Jesse was a popular and respected member of our AFL umpiring family, having begun his umpire journey in 2011 in the Northern Football and Netball League (NFNL), before moving to Queensland in 2017 and then making his debut on the AFL umpiring list in 2020.
“In 2023 Jesse moved to Sydney for work and to continue his AFL umpiring career, which spanned 62 AFL matches, including two finals.
“We will continue to offer support to Jesse’s family and counselling to any of our team members in umpiring and the wider AFL football department regarding the news today.
“The entire AFL family’s thoughts are with both Jesse and Luke’s families, as well as our umpiring and broader team during this very difficult time.”
The AFL Umpires Association were “shattered to learn of the tragic death of their friend and colleague”
“We pass on our deepest condolences to Jesse’s family, friends and the umpiring community. Jesse was an amazing and talented young man. We are lost for words and devastated by this tragic news,” they added in a statement.
“Our thoughts are also with the family of Jesse’s partner Luke. These are deeply sad circumstances.”