Australian rugby league prodigy, Benjamin Hunter, 16, tragically died in a road accident on Sunday night. Hunter was hit by a vehicle while walking home from a late-night gym session outside Nambour in south-east Queensland. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the young athlete passed away en-route in the ambulance. Authorities are now investigating the accident and have urged anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward.
Hunter was a member of the Melbourne Storm junior academy, playing in the Langer Trophy rugby league competition. He was also a supporter of the Brisbane Broncos and had demonstrated immense promise while playing for the Nambour Crushers and Sunshine Coast Falcons. Falcons Coach, Tim Baldwin, spoke of Hunter’s loveable personality and how he brought the team together.
The news of his tragic death has affected those who knew him, including Caloundra State High School Head of Year 11 and 12, Andrew Gercken, who coached Hunter. Gercken said, He was a tremendous kid, a really polite, respectful young man. He was a great footballer but an even better kid.
Rugby league agent Craig Clifton added, There’s no guarantees in rugby league, but if anyone had the ability to make it, he did.
Hunter’s accidental death has left the rugby league community mourning, and many are coming together to pay tribute to him. This is a developing story, and The Sun will update as more details become available.