Friends, family, teammates farewell Benjamin Hunter in memorial
Coaches, teammates, friends and family held each other close as they remembered the life of the “cheeky” teen footy star who died in a late night Sunshine Coast crash.
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Tears flowed down the faces of friends and family of beloved teen footy star Benjamin Hunter as they gathered to farewell the talented teen in a heartwarming memorial at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
The crowd gathered on Sunday, July 23, to farewell the 16-year-old who died in a late-night tragedy while walking home from the gym on June 25, near Nambour.
Sunshine Coast Falcons, Nambour Crushers and Caloundra State High School colours dotted the stadium on Sunday as mourners gathered to celebrate the life of the much-loved sportsman.
Benjamin, also known as Ben, Benny and BJ, died on June 25, 2023 after he was stuck by a car during a walk home near Nambour.
The grandstand was packed as hundreds of people gathered to memorialise the 16-year-old who touched their lives.
Sunshine Coast Falcons chairman Ashley Robinson said Benjamin was an outstanding player and talented footballer with enormous potential.
“Everybody says what a great footballer he was and everyone says what an even better human being he was,” Mr Robinson said.
As Benjamin’s Falcons teammates lined up behind the stage, under-16s coach Tim Baldwin spoke about the first time he heard of a young player from Nambour: an “absolute beast” named Benny Hunter.
Mr Baldwin said the team’s vice-captain was a “fearless player and feared opponent” with his “skill, strength and size.”
He was a humble and funny person who had a “goofy laugh,” Mr Baldwin said.
“He’d done what is good for his team and he loved doing it too,” Mr Baldwin said.
“He always had a smile on his face when he was playing footy.
“We’ll miss you, mate.”
Young Nambour Crushers players held Benjamin’s green, red and white jersey as a spokesman said Benjamin had respect for everyone who shared his love for rugby.
He said their memories shared with Ben will “live on for eternity.”
“It’s the time we had with him that matters the most,” he said.
“Thanks for your dash mate, we’re all proud to be part of it.”
A Melbourne Storm spokesperson said Ben was always grateful to be on the field and he was an incredibly hard worker.
Keeley Davidson spoke about her close friend on behalf of Caloundra State High School.
Ms Davidson said Ben, who often brought lychees to share during training sessions, was the “best lychee picker on the Sunshine Coast.”
“I’d do anything to hear that laugh one more time,” Ms Davidson said.
“I’d do anything to see your cheeky grin or even to look at those beautiful bright blue eyes.
“But most of all, I’d give the world anything to have you here at home with your family.
“Thank you for just being you.
“I love you Benny Hunter. Until we meet again, my close friend.”
Benjamin’s Falcons jersey was framed and placed at the front of the stage during the memorial.
Mr Robinson said Benjamin’s number 11 would be retired until next year so people would “know Ben’s story”.
Tears began to fall as the crowd descended onto the field for the end of the memorial.
The crowd walked the length of the football field to the song ‘Forever Young’ in honour of the “cheeky and unique personality” whose life was tragically cut short.
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