Palm Beach Currumbin footballer, surfer Jackson Graham dies aged 22
The Suns have honoured the brother of one of its AFL players in the wake of his tragic death. See the tributes and how you can support the family here.
The Gold Coast Suns have honoured Palm Beach Currumbin footballer Jackson Graham by wearing black armbands during their win over Carlton on Saturday.
Graham, who died last Wednesday aged 22, is the older brother of young gun Suns midfielder Will.
A GoFundMe account has already raised more than $60,000 for the family with more than 500 donors from the AFL, QAFL, world surfing scene and more.
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick, defender Mac Andrew and forwards Ethan Read and Ben King were among a number of Suns AFL and AFLW players who made public donations to show their support for the Graham family.
Hardwick’s mid-week press conference has been shifted to Wednesday which could give Suns players and staff the option to attend the funeral service on Thursday.
Graham’s life will be remembered with a service on Thursday at Currumbin Vikings SLSC.
His impact was felt across the football and surfing community with several figures both local and international paying tribute to him.
Graham’s final Instagram post was the embodiment of his zest for life: shooting through the middle of an epic barrel in swells triggered by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March.
Graham was a child prodigy on the waves; by 14 the grommet was Palm Beach Boardriders’ open club champion.
At Palm Beach Currumbin SHS Graham was crowned Queensland’s 2019 Under-19 boys Mark Richards Shield champion, alongside Joshua Boyle.
The year before he was part of the team which claimed the state under-16 crown.
In 2020 Graham joined the World Surf League’s junior tour.
It was there that the global surf community first fell in love with the popular, cheeky surfer from Down Under.
World Surf League pros Callum Robson, Liam O’Brien and Micah Margieson each left heart emojis on Graham’s final post.
“RIP Jacko
“Rest in peace Jacko
Australian pro surfer Thomas Carvalho added a string of heart emojis.
“Will always be thinking of you. Dearly missed buddy
Japanese pros Toy Tanaka and Sein Fujimoto also left hearts on the post.
Aussie pro Tim Bain commented two hearts.
Gold Coast surf institution Mt Woodgee Surfboards commented: “Such a sad day for his family and friends. From the Mt Woodgee family before and present. He will be very much missed.”
On dry land, the talented youngster was a QAFL player for Palm Beach Currumbin in Aussie rules.
The club announced the sad news on Friday afternoon.
“Never Forgotten. Loved By All #21,” a post to the club’s Facebook page read, along with a heart and dove emoji.
Graham played 174 games for the club, including 19 last season in the QAFL where he kicked five goals.
He had played with Palm Beach Currumbin Football Club since 2011, from the junior league through to seniors.
Tributes are being posted on social media for Graham, who is being remembered for his kindness and “cheeky smile”.
“Devastating. Such an impressive young man who epitomised what it means to be a part of our club local, family, loyal. RIP Jacko,” Jackson Emblem commented on Facebook.
“Jackson was such a strong independent young man with so much determination to succeed. It is simply too painful,” Sandy Smart wrote on Facebook.
“So very sad. RIP young man. Condolences to the Graham family and friends, sometimes words are just not enough. Will be forever missed by all. #21,” John Chaffey commented on Facebook.
Anyone who wishes to support the family go do so via the GoFundMe page.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-jackson-graham
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
