The fitness empire former Port Adelaide player Daniel Stewart helped build has revealed his sudden and tragic death was caused by a “sudden health episode”.

Stewart, who played 36 games for the Power between 2010 and 2013, died on Friday at the age of just 37.

Along with former Port Adelaide teammate Matt Thomas, Stewart created Body Fit Training (BFT), which has become one of the biggest fitness chains in the country.

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“The BFT family is honouring Daniel Stewart, aka Snowy,” BFT wrote on Instagram.

“Yesterday, Snowy suddenly passed away from an unexpected medical episode. The BFT family and all who knew him are absolutely devastated by his passing.

“A true BFT OG, Snowy was there from day one, helping build the foundation of our strong community alongside business partner Matty Thomas.

“More than that he was a devoted husband, father, friend, and much-loved member of the BFT family.

“Snowy’s impact on the BFT network and the lives of so many will not be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are with his family, Matty and those closest to him. Rest easy Snowy 🩵.”

Port Adelaide released a statement on Saturday afternoon after Laura Stewart, his wife and mother of two children, confirmed the sad news.

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“Devastated to confirm the loss of our world. A heart too big for this world,” she wrote.

“We love you so much daddy. Please respect our privacy as we navigate this incredible loss and prioritise our boys 💙💙.”

The AFL world is in shock following the ‘sudden’ death of former Port Adelaide player Daniel Stewart, aged 37 Credit: @portadelaidefc.com.au

Port Adelaide great and Channel 7 expert Kane Cornes, a former teammate of Stewart’s, said he was shattered.

“A true tragedy,” Cornes said.

“A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face.

“I loved watching him and his beautiful family from afar. He built a thriving business and shared a special friendship with Matty Thomas. Heart goes out to his family.”

A devastated Laura Stewart with her beloved husband, Daniel. Credit: @laura_stewy/Instagram

In a statement, the club said it was “deeply saddened” by Stewart’s sudden passing, and called his tragic death “devastating”.

Stewart played 36 games and kicked 31 goals for the Power between 2010 and 2013.

He joined Port Adelaide in the 2009 rookie draft and was promoted to the senior list at the end of that season.

He was a 200cm key forward, recruited from North Adelaide in the SANFL after previous stints at the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador.

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said Daniel’s passing had “come as a shock to everyone at the club”.

“On behalf of everyone at the Port Adelaide Football Club, I extend our deepest condolences to Daniel’s family including his mum Donna, dad Byron, wife Laura, his two sons Bernie and Lando and his brother Leigh,” Richardson said.

“We also extend our thoughts to his friends, including his close friend and former teammate Matt Thomas, and to all those at North Adelaide and Labrador who knew him.

“Daniel was part of the Port Adelaide football family, and he always will be. A sudden passing like this is devastating and our thoughts are with everyone who loved him, and with the teammates, coaches and staff who shared the journey with him here at Alberton.

The club will honour Stweart in their first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027. Credit: Getty

“The club will provide support to those affected by Daniel’s passing, including his former teammates and the people who worked alongside him.

“We will honour Daniel by wearing black armbands in our first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027.”

The club has asked that the privacy of Stewart’s family be respected at this difficult time.