The 19-year-old died of a suspected brain aneurysm and was found by family members. 

Daniel’s aunt Carly Hopkins said he was taken to Port Macquarie and transported by helicopter to John Hunter Hospital.

“Sadly there was nothing they could do for our boy Daniel,” she said. 

Carly said family members agreed it would have been Daniel’s wish to donate his organs to save others. 

“He has potentially saved more then seven other people,” she said. 

Carly said Daniel was hardworking and had just started to live his life as an adult. 

“He was loved so much and will be missed forever,” Carly said. 

Daniel had recently received his driving licence and started an apprenticeship in metal fabrication with Gibson and Sons in Kendall.

He went to Camden Haven High School and played for the Laurieton Hotel Stingrays. 

The club has paid tribute to Daniel and described him as ‘a lovely, polite and well mannered kid who was very keen to pull on a Stingray jersey this year’.

“Such a great young man with lots of potential whose life was cut way too short,” the club posted via its Facebook page. 

“All the players and club are deeply saddened in losing one of their mates and our deepest condolences are sent to his family.

“Hug those you love a little harder tonight guys.”

The family are appealing to the community for support so they can fund a funeral for Daniel. 

“We aren’t a family that usually asks for help, but we have had a few blows over the past six months and this is so important that we decided it was time to reach out,” Carly said. 

“We would all be forever grateful for any donations big or small to help Daniel have the send off both him and his family deserve.”

If you would like to donate to help the family fund a funeral for Daniel Priest please visit the website  https://www.gofundme.com/ru3ck-daniel