Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh is dead after being stabbed multiple times during an argument at his family home.

His 26-year-old son is in police custody and undergoing psychiatric assessment at the Flinders Medical Centre. His wife is also there being treated for a leg wound.

Superintendent Des Bray told reporters outside the Somerton Park home that there had been an argument in the home at 2am on Friday.

“I can’t tell you anything about the argument or the circumstances, but as a result of that both Mr Walsh and his wife received the wounds,” Supt Bray said.

Police found his son at a friend’s home in Glenelg East.

A knife was used in the attack and was found at the scene.

Walsh, 55, died despite the attempts of ambulance crews.

Supt Bray said they were yet to speak to the son, who lived with his parents at the Bungey Avenue home.

“As the investigation unfolds I’m sure we will find out exactly what happened, but at the moment … it would be inappropriate for me to speculate on what may or may not have happened.”

Supt Bray said the domestic incident was a tragedy.

“For any family, regardless of who it is, it’s one of the worst things that you could imagine that could happen to you,” he said.

“The only thing that is different with this is that he has a high profile. The pain and suffering of the family is no different.”

In an interview in April, Walsh said his focus on his career had impacted on his family life. He had been a player and coach for more than 33 years.

“I just immersed myself, got consumed and was selfish with as much time I committed to footy,” he said.

“I lost that connection and I’m trying to reconnect with my son, which I have done.

Walsh’s death has shocked Adelaide and the AFL. He was appointed the Crows senior coach last October.

The Crows are sitting seventh on the table and were set to play Geelong on Sunday.

The AFL is yet to comment, but players past and present have expressed their shock.

Geelong star Tom Hawkins said the news was shocking.

“Such horrific news to wake up and hear of the passing of Phil Walsh! It’s hard to comprehend that a man that has touched many lives is gone,” he tweeted.

Former Richmond player and Nine Network commentator Nathan Brown said the death would impact many AFL clubs.

“He played for Collingwood, he played for Brisbane,” he said. “He’s been at West Coast, he’s been at half the AFL clubs. This is going to touch so many people.”

Former Hawthorn player Shane Crawford described the news as “unbelievable” and “extremely sad” on Twitter.

Former Crows star Wayne Carey tweeted: “Thoughts are with everyone that Phil Walsh has touched on this very sad day.”

Major Crime detectives are investigating.