Nick Daicos pays heartfelt tribute as community mourns young Collingwood fan Kruz

Nick Daicos has paid a heartfelt tribute to a young Collingwood fan who has died after a battle with an extremely rare form of leukemia.

Six-year-old Kruz was diagnosed with MPAL leukemia (T/Myeloid) in July 2023.

The boy and his family visited the Pies in June, meeting Daicos and Jamie Elliott ahead of the King’s Birthday clash with Melbourne.

Both players lived up to their promise of celebrating a goal with a love heart gesture for Kruz.

“Special memories for Kruz as his dream came true, visiting Nick Daicos and Jamie Elliott at Collingwood,” the club wrote on a video of the meeting.

“His courage and bravery had our entire club in awe.”

The family sadly announced this week that Kruz died on Monday night, sparking an outpouring of grief among the Victorian community.

Daicos mourned Kruz on Tuesday night, sharing a photo from their meeting and reposting footage of his goal celebration.

“Taught me more than you’ll ever know Kruz,” Daicos wrote.

Kruz also met Aussie F1 drivers Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan at the Australian Grand Prix in March through My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.

“Rest in peace, Kruz,” the Australian Grand Prix accounts wrote.

“He left a mark on everyone at AGPC and we are so lucky to have played a part in bringing his wish to life.

“We are so proud of his courageous battle and we know he fought all the way. Sending love to you all during this time.”

Kruz is survived by parents John and Lauren, siblings Harlow and Makaio and his golden retriever Alfie.

“With shattered hearts, we share that our beautiful boy Kruz has gained his angel wings. He passed peacefully last night (Monday), surrounded by endless love,” the family wrote.

“Kruz’s strength, courage, and joy were beyond this world. He put up a fight and showed an enormous amount of strength every single day.

“He never complained. He taught us the true meaning of love, resilience, and faith. Though his time here was unfairly far too short, the impact he made — the laughter, the light, the pure heart he shared — will stay with us forever.

“He was so, so brave.. braver than he ever needed to be.

“If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever and ever.

“Heaven has gained the most beautiful soul. Kruz, our warrior, our fighter, our boy who loved us so, so much, and we loved even more than he could have ever even imagined.

“Please hold our family in your hearts and prayers as we learn to live without him here, but with him everywhere.

“Forever 6. You fought for so long and you showed that you were the strongest little warrior. You’ll forever be our hero. We will honour you in everything that we do.

“Love you forever my baby. Love Mum, Dad, Makaio and Harlow and your son Alfie.”

Tributes flowed online, with the local golden retriever breeder who donated Kruz’s puppy also paying tribute.

“I gifted Kruz Alfie, hoping he’d change the life for him and his family. To give the family more reasons to smile,” Elimar Golden Retrievers wrote.

“In return, Kruz (and his family) gifted me their friendship and changed my life more than I could have ever expected... or even dreamed!

“Never did I expect the friendship that eventuated. Thanks for being in my life Kruz... sleep easy my little mate. Forever 6 years old.”

Prominent social media creator communityPete had shared updates on Kruz’s health this year and helped bring his story to Collingwood’s attention.

“Our hearts are with you all at this incredibly difficult time,” a post read.

“Fly high Kruz.”