‘Mum lost her soulmate’: The tragic death driving premiership hero’s new mission

Taylor Smith, a rising star in Australian football, has spoken openly about the profound impact of losing her father, Shaun, to a sudden heart attack five years ago. The tragedy, which occurred just six months after she helped secure a historic premiership victory with the Brisbane Lions, has become a defining force in shaping her career and personal mission. Now playing for the Sydney Swans, Smith has channeled her grief into advocacy work, particularly through a campaign aimed at raising awareness about heart health. Shaun, who was 52 at the time of his death, was a devoted Brisbane Lions fan and someone whose presence deeply influenced Smith's path in sports. His passing left a gaping hole in the family, especially for Smith’s mother, who described losing her "soulmate." The emotional toll of the loss has been immense, with Smith acknowledging the unpredictable nature of grief, how it can resurface unexpectedly, even years later. Five years on, Smith reflects on the memories of her parents' happiness, captured in a photo stored on her laptop. That image represents a time when her parents were enjoying life to the fullest, engaging in activities like jet ski rides and wine tours. The suddenness of Shaun’s death disrupted that joy, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow for both her mother and grandparents, who lost their son. In the wake of her father's death, Smith embarked on a new chapter in her career, moving from the Brisbane Lions to the Sydney Swans. Her debut with the Swans was marked by a standout performance, where she kicked three goals in a crucial win against the Adelaide Crows. This moment was shared with her mother, who found humor in the media coverage surrounding her daughter's transition to the new team. Reflecting on her father's influence, Smith believes Shaun would have supported her decision to join the Swans. She feels that her father would have appreciated the personal growth and challenges she faces in her new role, emphasizing that the colors of the jersey wouldn't matter as much as the journey itself. The loss of Shaun has instilled in Smith a deep sense of urgency regarding life’s fleeting nature. She recalls how her father expressed a desire to travel to Japan and go skiing, dreams that will remain unfulfilled. This realization has driven her to live fully, embracing opportunities for growth and self-challenge rather than settling for comfort. Smith's relationship with her father was characterized by mutual support and inspiration. Whether it was achieving a school high jump record or pursuing a career in Australian rules football, she found that her father had walked similar paths. This connection has fueled her determination to honor his memory through her actions. Currently, Smith is actively involved in the Heart Foundation's "We're All In" campaign, aiming to increase awareness and funding for heart disease research. Despite improvements in survival rates, heart disease continues to claim approximately 115 lives each day in Australia. According to the foundation's 2025 survey, many individuals underestimate the risk of heart disease, believing it does not affect them personally. For Smith, the most painful aspect of her father's death was the knowledge that her mother had repeatedly urged him to get his heart checked, only for him to dismiss concerns with the phrase "I'm healthy." This dismissal highlights a broader issue of underestimating the importance of regular health check-ups. While filming the campaign, Smith felt a mix of strength and excitement about the message she was conveying. However, the emotional weight of speaking publicly about her loss became overwhelming the following day, leading to a breakdown as the reality of her father's absence sank in once again.