A West Adelaide SANFL player has suffered life-altering injuries after falling through the roof of a Port Lincoln pub.

Twenty-four-year-old Sam May was on a footy trip with teammates for their yearly Teakle Cup fixture against Norwood when he fell through the roof of the Pier Hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.

His teammates only realised he was missing when they were preparing to return to Adelaide hours later at around 9am.

An ambulance was promptly called, and May was airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he is currently receiving intensive care, including for head trauma.

May’s family, who are by his side, released a heartfelt statement expressing their love for him.

“Sammy is the light of our lives, and we absolutely love and adore him… As awful and as difficult it is, we just need to wait now,” the family said. 

“We all know he has the heart of a lion and an amazingly brave spirit.

“He will be doing everything he can to get back to his best.”