League club unites community in candlelight vigil to remember beloved teammate
Ben Hunter loved playing for the Crushers.
by Cameron Outridge
About a thousand people attended a candlelight vigil to pay their respects to young rugby league player Ben Hunter at Nambour Crushers Rugby League grounds on Wednesday evening (June 28).
The Nambour Crushers and Sunshine Coast Falcons U16s player was walking home from the gym when he was hit by a car on Image Flat Road about 11.50pm Sunday evening June 25 and he died on the way to Nambour Hospital.
Ben’s dad Chris Hunter told the gathering his family was devastated but thanked everyone for attending, for supporting his family and for remembering Ben. “Ben was a bright, young soul. We are devastated. I’d like to thank the Nambour Crushers and his teammates and his football family ... if I could see my Ben.”
Ben’s parents approach the shrine.
Mr Hunter asked everyone to remember his son’s achievements and his character. “And I know for a fact that he will have his cheeky grin right now.”
‘This kid will fill the stadium’
Mr Hunter said the family would be having a private funeral. “But after this we are working with the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Melbourne Storm to put on a celebration of his life at the Sunshine Coast Stadium. I think anyone that will be in that area on that day, they’ll think there’s a game on, because this kid will fill the stadium.”
He said the Melbourne Storm wore black armbands to pay their respects to Ben during Friday night’s game against the Panthers.
Ben’s mum Natalie Gorzalka said in a Facebook post that she was proud of her son and how he had touched the lives of so many people.
“So many of you have reached out telling us how Ben made your own child feel worthy and welcomed,” she said.
“That was Ben to a tee. He didn’t care if you were popular, he didn’t care if you didn’t like football, if you were nice to him then he was your friend. No parent could ask for their child to be more than that.
“Yes he was a great footballer but he was an even better human being.”
Crushers’ respectful tribute
Nambour Junior Crushers President Leith Hensley acknowledged the support shown by so many people over the past few days.
“It’s been really heartening to see messages of condolences and sympathies extended from the community to Ben’s family and our club during this very difficult time,” he said. “Those that knew Ben are aware that he had a deep passion for rugby league, and it is quite easy to see just one of the reasons why he did: it’s the response we’ve seen from everyone at our club and from across the Sunshine Coast rugby league community in general.”
Mr Hensley said Ben’s U16 teammates had been “hit really hard by the loss of their mate”.
“But the way you guys have rallied around each other has been very encouraging. We know that you guys loved BJ, and please remember, keep leaning on each other and the club is right alongside you for anything we can help you with.
“We are very thankful to our under 16 coaching staff for getting around these lads, we know how much you guys loved Ben, and this bunch of awesome young men we have. Our thoughts also go out to his (Caloundra High) school mates and Falcon’s teammates.”
Mr Hensley then addressed Ben’s parents. “Chris and Natalie, we are painfully saddened for your loss. Ben is always going to be remembered at this club.
“For his courage, respect and attitude to his club mates and his coaches. Not to mention his outstanding talent and dedication to giving 100 percent every time he’d hit the paddock for training or a game for the Sunshine Coast Falcons, Caloundra High or his beloved Nambour Crushers.
“I know his infectious smile is going to be sorely missed around the place.”
After a minute’s silence Ben’s under 16 teammates and those gathered placed their candles in front of the shrine which had photos of Ben flanked by his two Crushers number 11 jerseys. Food and drinks were served with all proceeds going to the family.
Junior Crushers teams to ‘play for Ben’ during home games July 14-15
All Nambour Junior Rugby League teams will be “playing for Ben” during a home-round on 14-15 July.
Nambour Junior Crushers President Leith Hensley said all teams would be playing at Crusher Park from under 6s to under 17s, including the under 13s girls’ team.
As a mark of respect teams will “retire” the number 11 jersey which was Ben’s playing number at the club. Black armbands will be worn and games preceded by a minute’s silence.
Four games will be played the Friday night ahead of Saturday’s full schedule against various oppositions.