Ben Hunter death: Rugby league player dies after struck by a car while walking

Rugby league player Ben Hunter died. (Source: Facebook)

Ben Hunter, a promising player in the Melbourne Storm junior academy and a winner of the Langer Trophy, passed away in a horrific car accident, sparking tributes from his former instructors and coaches. Keep reading to know about it in detail.

Ben Hunter death: What happened?

A 16-year-old Sunshine Coast boy named Ben Hunter passed away after being struck by a car on a narrow country road. Ben Hunter is known as a committed and enthusiastic rugby league player.

BJ, or Benjamin Hunter, was a rising star for the Nambour Crushers Rugby League Club.

Ben Hunter passed away when he was struck by a vehicle on a narrow country road.

According to police, Ben was hit by a hatchback vehicle just before midnight while walking along Image Flat Road in Nambour.

He was transported by paramedics after suffering critical injuries, however, he passed away on the way to Nambour Hospital.

At the scene of the teen’s death, there are flowers and a rugby league ball covered in notes, one of which is from his mother.

It read,

“I’m so proud of you. Your heart is as big as your smile.

Love you forever. Mum.”

After the incident, Ben’s family requested privacy.

Coach statements:

Craig Clifton, an accredited rugby league agent, said that Ben had just finished a weight-training session.

Mr Clifton said,

“He was doing everything he could to improve himself as an athlete and as a footballer. Anything you asked, he would do,” 

“On the field, he was just one of those players you got the best out of every single time he played.

“He was a devastating runner of the ball, a fantastic defender, and a player everyone liked playing with.”

Ben was a member of the Melbourne Storm rugby league academy, and Mr. Clifton oversaw the development of his career for the previous 18 months while also observing Ben’s performance.

He said,

“He had a big future ahead of him in rugby league,” 

“There’s no guarantees in rugby league, but if anyone had the ability to make it, he did.

“He was just a great kid to manage, and it’s devastating.”

Ben participated on the Sunshine Coast Falcons’ Cyril Connell under-16 representative team as well.

Ben attended yesterday’s club end-of-season presentation, according to Ashley Robinson of Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Robinson said,

“It’s just surreal,” 

“We really feel for the family and, of course, all his teammates and friends. It’s just awful.”

“He was very popular, very sensible, [and] had a bit of a cheeky grin.

“I watched him play footy this season. [He was a] really good competitor and a great kid.”

Ben was referred to as a “outstanding footballer” by Mr. Robinson.

A welfare officer will be assigned to the squad to assist Ben’s teammates, according to Mr. Robinson.

He said,

“If you’re friends with any of his teammates or family, we all need to keep an eye on them and be there for them for the next few weeks.”

Police Investigation

The car’s 24-year-old women driver did not sustain any physical harm.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the area around the time of the event is requested to contact police. The Forensic Crash Unit is conducting an investigation.

Tributes to Ben Hunter

At the scene of the incident, flowers and tributes are being placed, and several sports management and his friends have posted condolence remarks on social media.

At the scene of the event, memorials and flowers are being left. (Source: abc.net.au)

Rogers Sports Management wrote : “We are heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of RSM’s Ben Hunter last night. Ben was an extremely talented footballer and an exceptional young man. He was dedicated to his training and craft and will be sadly missed by the rugby league community as well as everyone who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Bens family and friends. We will miss you mate.”

Nambour Junior Rugby League Club : “Nambour Junior Crushers is heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of our much loved Under 16 player BJ. We will hold a candlelight vigil in BJ’s honour at our fields from 5:30-6pm this Wednesday – please bring a candle. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and team mates at this very sad time.”

Nancy Sullivan wrote: “Will be miss,I will always remember all the good times and remember the smile you put on everyone faces. Rest Easy, bj “

The circumstances of Ben Hunter’s death are currently being investigated by authorities. The terrible demise of Ben Hunter has shocked the neighborhood and devastated his family and friends. His family and friends have been grieved by the news of Ben Hunter’s passing, and sympathies have flooded in from all over the neighborhood.

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