UPDATE: The death of Australian sports reporter Duncan McKenzie-McHarg, who tragically fell from a building in Los Angeles last month, has been officially ruled a suicide. He was just 41 years old. This shocking revelation comes as his family described his passing as an “unimaginable shock,” expressing profound grief in a heartfelt statement.
According to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, McKenzie-McHarg fell from the roof of one building and landed on another in a central area of the city. The incident occurred on September 12, 2023, and his death has raised serious concerns regarding mental health in the sports community.
His family shared, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Duncan — a deeply loved son, a devoted father to his precious boy Harrison, and a cherished brother to his three siblings.” They described him as “extraordinary,” noting his positivity and humor that brightened the lives of those around him.
McKenzie-McHarg worked for Stan Sport, the Australian streaming service, where he covered Grand Slam tennis and interviewed major players including Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Swiatek. A spokesperson from Stan expressed deep sadness over the loss, stating, “Duncan was a valued contributor to Stan Sport, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this very difficult time.”
Before his time at Stan, the reporter was affiliated with notable Australian television networks, including Channel 7 and Network 10, as well as Fox Sports in the United States. His career began on Triple M Melbourne’s “Hot Breakfast” show, where he worked alongside prominent broadcaster Eddie McGuire. McGuire reflected on the tragedy, calling McKenzie-McHarg’s death “heartbreaking and devastating.”
“He turned his natural happy and kind disposition into a skill set that disarmed the world’s biggest stars and built his international career from scratch,” McGuire remarked, highlighting the admiration his friends held for him.
This urgent situation calls for a renewed focus on mental health support, particularly within high-pressure environments like sports journalism. Fans and colleagues alike are encouraged to remember McKenzie-McHarg for his warmth and joy that he spread throughout his career.
As the community mourns, further discussions on mental health in sports are expected to emerge. Authorities and organizations are urged to take action to prevent similar tragedies and support those in need.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
