Loved ones’ fury over the alleged murder of beloved teacher and soccer star – the 49th woman to allegedly die by a man’s hands in 2022: ‘Enough is enough’
- Outpouring of anger, grief and emotion over the alleged murder of a beloved teacher
- Dannielle Finlay-Jones is reportedly the 49th woman to die of violence in 2022
- Her soccer team said her death ‘has left us all in a state of shock and disbelief’
- Do you know more? Contact: [email protected]
There has been an outpouring of anger, grief and emotion over the alleged murder of beloved teacher and soccer player Dannielle Finlay-Jones.
Ms Finlay-Jones was the 49th woman to allegedly die at the hands of a man in Australia in 2022, according to figures compiled by the Counting Dead Women group.
Her Ramsgate RSL soccer team said: ‘The news of her passing has left us all in a state of shock and disbelief.’
A friend wrote on Facebook that ‘Danni was a beautiful soul that had done so much for female football. I’ll always remember playing football with her, she was a star.’
Ms Finlay-Jones, 31, was found dead with severe head injuries at a friend’s home by distraught friends on Sunday afternoon in the Sydney suburb of Cranebrook.
Dannielle Finlay-Jones is pictured wearing the jersey of her team, Ramsgate RSL Football Club
She went to a pub in nearby Marsden Park on Saturday evening with the alleged attacker, with the pair returning to the home in the early hours of Sunday.
The accused killer Ashley Gaddie was arrested on Tuesday night after a 12-hour standoff with police in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.
Her soccer club said Ms Finlay-Jones was a ‘beloved’ senior vice-president for its women’s side.
‘Dannielle was a beautiful person, a life member of the club who was much loved and very well respected not only within our immediate football community but also throughout the Football St George association,’ the club said.
The club added that, ‘Her tireless and unselfish commitment to football within the community, particularly women’s football, will be sorely missed and her legacy will be everlasting.’
On the Ramsgate RSL team’s social media account, another friend wrote that ‘Dannielle was such a kind, loving and inspirational soul.
‘The work that she did in child care and football was amazing, always went above and beyond.
Dannielle Finlay-Jones is pictured at Ramsgate RSL Football Club’s award ceremony night
‘She will be missed by everyone who had the privilege to meet her.’
A woman who played soccer with Ms Finlay-Jones thanked her for ‘the challenge on the field and your laugh and jokes’.
‘We had so much fun I will never forget our nights out! Gone too soon, always remembered on and off the field.’
Another said: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking news. It was always an absolute pleasure playing football with Dani.’
Forensic officers investigate a suspected homicide in the Sydney suburb of Cranebrook
Police officers spoke to forensics teams as they arrived at the property on Monday morning
Many commenters spoke of Ms Finlay-Jones’ great personality, with one saying she ‘always had a smile on her face. Truly devastating and shocking to hear.’
‘Dani you were an amazing person, always happy to have a chat or help anyone at the club,’ said another colleague.
Players from other clubs also paid tribute, with one saying, ‘Thanks for the fierce competition between Ramsgate and Peakhurst over the years.
Friends arrived at the home to collect two dogs that had been left behind on the property
‘I loved fighting beside you on the pitch. You were a magnificent person and player and you did so much for women’s football.’
Others wrote about how Ms. Finlay-Jones had mentored young football players.
‘Danielle you had such a beautiful and kind heart. It was a true honor to call you my friend.
Ashley Gaddie (pictured) has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of Dannielle Finlay-Jones on Sunday
‘A true angel who now has her wings back RIP my love.’
Many people also sent their condolences to Ms Finlay-Jones’ mother Jacky.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
.