After 12 years together, overcoming incredible odds and welcoming three beautiful daughters, Alex and Teigan McKinnon quietly split in January 2022.
The couple kept their separation private for several months, likely as they focused on co-parenting their children; Harriet, three, and twins Audrey and Violet, one.
But eagle-eyed fans suspected something was amiss with the Aussie golden couple when, five years into their marriage, Alex stopped appearing on Teigan's social media and the young mum was seen regularly without her wedding ring.
Their sad split was confirmed in April, when the Sydney Morning Herald reported: "Alex has strong family support and he will ensure Teigan has all of his ... [there is] no ill will."
The outlet added that Alex and Teigan split amicably and are devoted to co-parenting their daughters and remaining friends, proving the point when they came together to mark their twins' first birthday on April 26.
Soon after, Alex turned his Instagram account to private while Teigan took to hers to reveal the deep pain caused by the fact their "split had been made public without our consent".
She wrote: "We are asking for our privacy to please be respected at this time. We are together concentrating on protecting our family and children, as they are our main concern. We have the utmost respect for each other."
Though details of their split remain unclear, SMH reported that the stress of raising a young family took its toll on the couple, who first met at a pub through mutual friends in 2010.
"I was there for a friend's birthday dinner and we hit it off straight away, feeling very comfortable around each other. We were friends for about a year before we started dating in 2011," Teigan told Body and Soul previously.
But Alex was sure about his feelings for Teigan from the moment they met: "It was definitely 'love at first sight' for me!"
Their love story captivated the nation when Teigan stood by her man after Alex's life-changing injury in 2014.
While playing NRL for the Newcastle Knights the 22-year-old was injured in a dangerous tackle and became an incomplete quadriplegic after fracturing his C4 and C5 vertebrae.
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In hospital, Teigan was told he might not make it through the night, but he was a figther and just three weeks later, Alex was able to propose to Teigan.
The primary school teacher has been his emotional and physical support through rehabilitation and their day-to-day life.
On Valentine's Day in 2015, Alex shared a message on his social channels thanking Teigan for getting him through everything.
"Happy Valentine's Day babe ❤️. The last year has challenged us a lot more then we would of every imagined, yet we've become so much stronger then ever before. I can honestly say I don't know where I would be without you, I love you a fair bit 😊👰❤️ @teiganpower," he captioned the post.
Three years after the horrific accident, they tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in the Hunter Valley.
It had been Alex's goal to stand on his wedding day, in the end he was able to achieve his dream, with photos from the day showing him on his feet.
In 2018, Teigan gave birth to their first daughter, Harriet Anne and three turned to five when the family welcomed twin baby girls Audrey Jill and Violet John in 2021.
Though the proud mum and dad have now decided to part ways, there's no doubt they'll continue to love and respect each other while co-parenting in the years to come.
Relive Teigan and Alex's wholesome love story in pictures below.
![Speaking with *[Woman's Day](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/alex-mckinnon-pays-tribute-to-the-woman-whos-cared-for-him-most-24334|target="_blank")* a then 24-year-old Alex credited Teigan for helping his mental health, "If it wasn't for Teigan I wouldn't be in as good a place as I am mentally."](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/now/2021/06/22/1624336876580_TeaganMcKinnonAlexMcKinnon.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
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