Fundraising campaign, candlelight vigil launched for Nambour rugby league player

Ben was an up and coming player for the Nambour Crushers Rugby League Club.

A fundraising campaign and a candlelight vigil have been launched following the tragic death of 16-year-old Ben Hunter near Nambour on Sunday night.

Benjamin, known as BJ, died after being hit by a car along Image Flat Road.

He was an up and coming player for the Nambour Crushers Rugby League Club. He was on Image Flat Road, Image Flat, about 11.50pm on Sunday when he was struck by a hatchback being driven by a 24-year-old woman.

Flowers and a rugby league ball covered with messages, including one from his mother, have been left at the spot where the teenager was killed.

"I'm so proud of you. Your heart is as big as your smile. Love you forever. Mum," read a message from his mother.

Family friend Annmarie Lawson has started the GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and any other financial outlays Ben’s family will face. By noon Tuesday (June 27) it had already raised $14,845 of its $20,000 goal.

“We lost a beautiful kind young man and along with his family we are absolutely devastated,” Ms Lawson said.

“Anyone who had ever met BJ, would know how special this young man was. He had a beautiful soul, kind and well mannered, a credit to his amazing parents Natalie and Chris.

His loss is being felt far and wide across the community and we reach out now for your help for this beautiful family in their time of grief.”

Nambour Junior Crushers will hold a candlelight vigil in BJ's honour at Crusher Park fields from 5.30-6pm on Wednesday (June 27). Please bring a candle. The Crushers club said everyone’s thoughts were with his family, friends and team mates at this very sad time.

Nambour Crushers president Leith Hensley said his death was "absolutely devastating."

“Nambour Junior Crushers is heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of our much loved under-16 player, BJ,” a Facebook post read.

A backrower, Benjamin played with Sunshine Coast Falcons’ Queensland Cup under-16 team, which finished second in the annual Cyril Connell Challenge. He was also a member of the Melbourne Storm Academy.

Ben was reportedly on the way home from a night gym session when he was struck by the car.

He was rushed to the nearby Nambour Hospital by ambulance but couldn't be saved.

Queensland Police are appealing for witnesses and CCTV.

• You can donate here ... https://www.gofundme.com/f/bjs-funeral-and-family-fund

Ben playing for the Sunshine Coast Falcons.