Melbourne Storm’s touching tribute following tragic death of Nambour teen

The Melbourne Storm has revealed its plans for a touching tribute to a talented Sunshine Coast 16-year-old rugby league player as hundreds gathered for a vigil in his memory.

A candlelight vigil was held for Image Flat teenager Benjamin Hunter. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A national rugby league team will wear black armbands to acknowledge the tragic death of a talented teen Sunshine Coast player who died on June 25.

The Melbourne Storm has shared its support and condolences to former Sunshine Coast Falcons and Melbourne Storm Tornadoes Development player Benjamin Hunter following his tragic death.

On Wednesday afternoon, June 28, as the sun went down hundreds of people from the Nambour Crushers and other Sunshine Coast rugby league teams also converged for a vigil at the Nambour football team’s clubhouse in memory of the Caloundra State High School student.

Paramedics tried to save the Image Flat 16-year-old, also known as BJ and Ben, from critical head and chest injuries after he was hit on Image Flat Rd near Nambour.

A 24-year-old Nambour woman was driving the hatchback that was involved in the incident about 11.50pm on June 25.

Melbourne Storm players will wear black armbands as a tribute to talented Sunshine Coast 16-year-old Benjamin Hunter who died on June 25. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

The Nambour Crushers and Sunshine Coast Falcons U16s player was walking home from the gym when the crash occurred and he died on the way to Nambour Hospital.

A Storm spokesman confirmed on Thursday, June 29, that the players would wear black armbands for their Friday night NRL match against the Penrith Panthers at Marvel Stadium.

Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil in memory of Benjamin Hunter, who was killed when a car hit him on Image Flat Rd near Nambour.

“We’ve been in contact with the family and they’re comfortable with us wearing the black arm band, in fact they’re thrilled that we can do something for him,” he said.

“We’ll also be providing some signed jerseys for them to auction off.

“The GoFundMe page has some fundraising activities that they’re doing and we’ll be supporting them as well.”

At the vigil, the crowd lit their candles before speeches were made and a minute’s silence was held.

Benjamin’s Crushers teammates and the crowd placed their candles at a tribute to the teenager, which included a photo and two jerseys with the number 11 on them.

Nambour Crushers president Leith Hensley said the vigil was a chance for people to gather.

“It’s a reminder about how short life can be, how suddenly it can be taken away,” he said.

“Hold your loved ones close every day and tell them you love them.”

He also encouraged anyone who was struggling following the tragedy to speak up and surround themselves with their loved ones.

Originally published as Melbourne Storm’s touching tribute following tragic death of Nambour teen