Friends of Cy Walsh have claimed the 26-year-old was battling “mental issues” before he was charged with the murder of his father and Adelaide Crows coach, Phil Walsh, on Friday.
One of Cy’s best friends, David Southam, told The Australian Phil Walsh was trying to help his son with the battle.
Southam, who describes the 26-year-old as a “carefree, kind person,” had not seen Cy over the past six months, despite trying to get in contact, he claims.
“He was always a good mate and always a kind person,” Mr Southam said.
“Me and Phil used to go surfing when I was in high school with Cy, and Phil always made me feel like an extended member of the family. Cy was always a pretty carefree, kind person. A lot of fun.
“I don’t think anyone expected anything like this to happen,” Mr Southam said.
Friends have described Cy as a young man very much into computer games and sports such as boxing, basketball and table tennis.
Cy worked in bars and restaurants in Adelaide as a bartender and glass collector, friends claim, after studying at The University of Western Australia in 2013.
As Cy is now held in an Adelaide mental facility, James Nash House, his family yesterday released a statement, thanking the public for their support.
“We wish to thank everyone for their overwhelming kindness, sympathy and support during this most difficult time. We take comfort in knowing that so many people are thinking of Phil, and us,” the statement read.
“Phil enriched our lives and the lives of so many, and for that we are eternally grateful.
“Our hearts are broken. How much we miss him is beyond measure. Our lives will never be the same, now that Phil is gone. But we will forever love and cherish him.”
Walsh’s 22-year-old daughter, Quinn, posted a heartfelt message on her Facebook page earlier.
“Hold your family close, never for a second take them for granted for that will be the second you lose them,” Quinn wrote.
“I have lost half my family in a blink of an eye, nothing will be right with the world again.”
