Melbourne Storm prop Tui Kamikamica is currently recovering in hospital after undergoing emergency surgery to remove a blood clot following a suspected stroke that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning. The incident took place when his partner, Asi, found the Fijian front-rower mid-seizure on his way back from the bathroom around 3 am. She immediately called emergency services, prompting an urgent response.
An ambulance and trauma unit arrived swiftly, and Kamikamica was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. There, surgeons successfully removed the clot. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Kamikamica’s agent, Jeff Jurotte, provided details about the procedure. He explained that the surgery involved accessing the clot through the groin, which was located at the front of the head.
“She got him to hospital and they found that he had a blood clot,” Jurotte said. “The clot was at the front of the head – they went through the groin and removed it straight away. He’s out of intensive care and back into a ward. They’ve got to keep him there for the next two or three days and assess him.”
When Kamikamica woke up from the surgery, he was visited by his Storm teammates Eli Katoa and Young Tonumaipea, who serves as the club’s welfare officer. According to Jurotte, Kamikamica expressed frustration upon waking, saying, “I am just annoyed I can’t play this week.”
Cameron Smith, the Storm’s captain, shared his support for Kamikamica during a broadcast on 100% Footy. He revealed that he personally reached out to the forward, who responded positively. Smith also mentioned that the club’s football manager, Frank Ponissi, assured him that Kamikamica was receiving excellent care from medical professionals.
The Melbourne Storm club issued a statement confirming that Kamikamica is receiving the best possible care. Hospital specialists are working alongside the club’s medical staff to ensure his recovery. The team has been vocal in its support, with players and officials expressing hope for his full recovery.
Key Details About the Incident
- The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning.
- Kamikamica was found mid-seizure by his partner, who immediately called emergency services.
- Surgeons removed the clot via the groin, which was located at the front of the head.
- Kamikamica has since been moved from intensive care to a regular ward.
- His teammates, including Eli Katoa and Young Tonumaipea, have shown their support.
- Cameron Smith confirmed that Kamikamica is feeling better and receiving proper medical care.
Support from the Club and Teammates
The Melbourne Storm has been actively involved in supporting Kamikamica throughout his recovery. Players such as Eli Katoa and Young Tonumaipea have visited him in the hospital, showing their solidarity. Additionally, Cameron Smith, the club’s captain, has personally reached out to Kamikamica, reinforcing the team’s commitment to his well-being.
Frank Ponissi, the club’s football manager, has also reassured fans that Kamikamica is in good hands. The club’s statement emphasized that both hospital specialists and the team’s medical staff are providing the highest level of care.
What Comes Next?
While Kamikamica is no longer in intensive care, he will remain in the hospital for the next few days for further assessment. The medical team will monitor his condition closely to ensure a full recovery. Fans and supporters have been expressing their hopes for his swift return to the field.
The incident has highlighted the importance of prompt medical attention and the critical role that quick action can play in saving lives. As the Melbourne Storm community rallies behind Tui Kamikamica, there is optimism that he will make a full recovery and return to the sport he loves.
