Eighteen-year-old football player left in critical condition after apartment fall

A close-knit coastal community is rallying behind a much-loved teenager who is fighting for his life after falling from a Surfer's Paradise apartment complex.

Less than a day after completing the Gold Coast half marathon, Yeppoon's Tyler Calleja, 18, remains in a critical condition at Gold Coast University Hospital with family by his side.

Queensland Police said emergency services were called to the apartment complex on Remembrance Drive in the early hours of Sunday morning, after a maintenance worker located an unconscious man.

Mr Calleja fell while attempting to gain entry to the unit where he was staying, a police spokesperson said.

The Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service confirmed he remained in a critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon.

There has been an outpouring of emotions and support for the Yeppoon Swans Australian Rules Football player and fitness coach from his local community and running groups.

A fundraiser organised by his football club in Central Queensland to help cover the family's medical costs raised $50,000 as at Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement, the club said it was "deeply shocked" by the incident, more than 700 kilometres away.

"Anyone who knows Tyler, knows he is always willing to give his time to others in the community," the statement said.

"Now it's our turn to stand beside him and his family."

The club thanked supporters and the wider community for the well-wishes.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident.

The family has requested privacy.

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