Former AFL footballer and filmmaker killed in car accident

Per The Age, Robert Dickson has been killed in a car accident in South Africa, along with his five year old son Byron. His wife and other son survived the incident. Dickson played Aussie Rules football in the Australian Football League from 1988-1991 before moving on to become a highly acclaimed documentary maker, including several about the AFL, the most recent ("The Essence of the Game") of which aired just last month on national television. Dickson continued to contribute to Aussie Rules footy in Australia since he left the game; he was due to take part in an AFL Academy tour in South Africa starting next week. Several prominent figures in the AFL have come out and expressed their condolences to Dickson's family.

Sadness filtered through the twitterverse as the news broke today.

1. 
   HAWKSHEROES is saddened at the loss of Rob Dickson R.I.P to his family his Doco's will be a tribute to his memory always ! 11 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   mumof9 R.I.P Rob Dickson and his 5 yr old son Byron :( :( :( 11 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   abcnewsSport Former Hawk Dickson dies in South Africa: The AFL has confirmed the death of former player and film maker Rob Di.. http://tinyurl.com/cwnmjd 11 Apr 2009 from twitterfeed
4. 
   CampbellD RIP Rob Dickson. A man who really brought out the most beautiful parts of AFL . 11 Apr 2009 from web

The official Twitter account for another club in the AFL, @SydneySwans, who was live twittering a match being played this evening, reported about a moment's silence before the game.

1. 
   sydneyswans Moment of silence to mark the passing of ex-Brisbane and Hawthorn player and filmmaker Rob Dickson 11 Apr 2009 from web

Former AFL footballer and filmmaker killed in car accident