Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross has revealed her grief following the death of her mother, Jessica Cooney, on July 10. Jessica Cooney passed away at the age of 45 after a battle with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer affecting the bile ducts.
Cooney-Cross, a 24-year-old midfielder for Arsenal, had stepped away from professional football in March to care for her mother after her diagnosis several months prior. The footballer shared a poignant statement on Instagram, describing her mother's death as her "biggest fear." She wrote, "On Friday, the 10th of July, my biggest fear in life happened right in front of me, and never in my life did I think I'd be having to see you go so soon."
In her tribute, Cooney-Cross spoke of her mother's strength and resilience, noting her ability to "swallow her own pain so we could have peace." She described Jessica as "the most beautiful, patient, gentle, wise, loving, courageous, and strongest person I know." The midfielder expressed her sorrow over not being able to give her mother "the life she truly deserves" and the pain of a world without her voice, hugs, and kisses.
Cooney-Cross also shared hopes for her mother's peace, wishing her enjoyment of "nature walks, watering her plants, painting, drinking cups of tea, having naps, watching the sunrise, bird watching, and eating all the food in the world." She concluded by calling her mother her "biggest inspiration" and stating, "Mum, my favourite part is knowing that I'm a little piece of you."
Matildas teammates, including Sam Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold, Katrina Gorry, and Steph Catley, have offered their condolences and support to Cooney-Cross and her family following the announcement. The Australian football community has been left in mourning by the loss.
