Tributes for talented footballer Benjamin Hunter, 16, killed in Image Flat crash

A talented and hard working member of the Melbourne Storm junior academy and Langer Trophy player has died in a tragic road accident, sparking tributes from former teachers and coaches.

Tributes are flowing for a promising young Sunshine Coast rugby league player after he died in a road tragedy while walking home from a late-night gym session.

The rugby league community is mourning the loss of Image Flat teen Benjamin Hunter, 16, who died after he was struck by a vehicle shortly before midnight on Sunday, June 25.

Police said the fatal single vehicle crash occurred on Image Flat Rd, just outside of Nambour about 11.50pm.

Emergency services arrived a short time after he was struck by a hatchback vehicle.

He was rushed in a critical condition to Nambour Hospital, but he died on the way to the hospital.

Benjamin Hunter pictured when he was named in the Sunshine Coast Falcons’ U16s side. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The teenager was a member of the Melbourne Storm junior academy, Caloundra State High School student and Langer Trophy player, a Brisbane Broncos supporter and a talented Nambour Crushers and Sunshine Coast Falcons player.

Rogers Sports Management director and rugby league player agent Craig Clifton said Hunter was at the gym doing a weights session before walking home when the incident occurred.

“He’s been with us for nearly two years,” he said.

“He was such a dedicated and mature athlete.”

Tributes have come from many sectors of the community and online as news of the tragic incident has spread.

Sunshine Coast Falcons pay tribute

Benjamin was named as a player to watch for the Falcons Cyril Connell Challenge under 16s side by head coach Tim Baldwin earlier this year.

“He was a tough kid on the field, really skilful and played with a lot of passion as he loved rugby league,” Mr Baldwin said.

“Off the field he had a loveable personality that was very lighthearted.

“He’d come into the room with a big smile, have all these questions and really was a humble, mature and likeable kid.”

Lyric Jeffery is mourning the loss of his friend and teammate, Benjamin Hunter, following a tragic road crash last night. Patrick Woods.

Benjamin attended the Sunshine Coast Falcons junior presentations on June 25 where it was sadly the final time he was seen by his teammates and friends.

“He came into the Falcons system this season and he was our vice-captain so he had the respect of everyone,” Mr Baldwin said.

“He really brought the group together as the person that he was.

“We’re all very lucky to have met Benny and to be alongside him with his passion.

“We’re going to have a lot of memories that will be with us for a long time.”

Mr Baldwin said the team had organised a gathering for Ben’s teammates and coaching staff to help cope with the loss.

Friends pay tribute at the accident scene following the death of Benjamin Hunter. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Caloundra State High School coach ‘devastated’

Benjamin had attended Caloundra State High School for little more than a year where he was part of the Melbourne Storm junior academy.

Head of Year 11 and 12 Andrew Gercken also coached the talented teen and said he was “devastated” by the news.

“He was a tremendous kid, a really polite, respectful young man,” he said.

“He was a great footballer but an even better kid.”

The teacher said he was “heartbroken” and had spoken to a couple of the other senior boys.

He said some were gathering to mourn together.

“I just think about his family and his mates, it’s going to be a tough couple of weeks given we’re on school holidays,” Mr Gercken said.

“But it’s going to hurt starting term three without him.”

Nambour Crushers reeling from loss

Nambour Crushers junior president Leith Hensley said the club was “devastated” by the tragic loss.

“Benjamin was a much-loved member of our club and very well-respected among the junior rugby league community,” he said.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with his schoolmates, teammates and most of all family at this time.”

There were emotional scenes at the crash site when some teammates and others met at the side of the busy road to lay flowers and grieve together.

People comfort each other by the roadside at Image Flat Rd. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Queensland Ambulance Service confirmed multiple paramedics attended the scene and a rescue helicopter was called but not required.

The driver and single occupant of the vehicle, a 24-year-old Nambour woman, was not physically injured.

The hospital is only a few kilometres from where the incident occurred.

Facebook tributes begin to flow

Tributes for Benjamin have also begun to flow online.

Liam Seeds said he was such a nice kid who said “hello with a smile on his face every morning I saw him at the gym”.

Jesse Wright posted that Benjamin was “one of hardest working young guys I’ve ever met”.

“Saw him at the gym almost every single day. That’s so upsetting. RIP mate.”

Paramedics warn drivers to stay vigilant

Queensland Ambulance Service senior operations supervisor Danielle Williams said the most “heartfelt condolences” were extended to the family and friends of Benjamin.

She said paramedics, including a critical care paramedic, were “confronted” with the football player’s critical head and chest injuries.

“I think this is a timely reminder at the beginning of the school holidays that we are vigilant on our roads,” Ms Williams said.

She also said at night pedestrians should try and remain visible to drivers.

“Try to stick to footpaths and bike paths and cross at designated crossings,” she said.

“It’s a terrible incident that we had to respond to last night.”

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the crash and are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed or may have dashcam/CCTV of the area around the time of the incident to come forward.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Originally published as Tributes for talented footballer Benjamin Hunter, 16, killed in Image Flat crash