GOLD COAST, QLD — The Gold Coast is reeling from the sudden and tragic loss of Jackson Graham, a cherished member of the Palm Beach Currumbin Australian Football Club and a passionate surfer, whose death this week has left a deep void in the hearts of many.
Jackson, remembered for his boundless energy, athletic skill, and infectious positivity, was not only a rising star on the footy field but a beloved figure across the community. His unexpected passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from teammates, friends, family, and all those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
A proud representative of the Palm Beach Currumbin AFL Club, Jackson earned admiration for his fierce determination on the field and the genuine care he showed to others off it. Coaches described him as a natural leader — someone who led by example, lifted others up, and embodied the spirit of team unity. His work ethic, humility, and sportsmanship made him a standout athlete and a role model to younger players within the club.
Away from the footy field, Jackson found solace and joy in the waves of the Gold Coast. Surfing was more than a hobby — it was a way of life. Friends recall early mornings and late afternoons spent with Jackson chasing swells along the coastline, his love for the ocean as much a part of him as his love for sport. The sea, they say, was where he was most at peace.
“Jackson brought so much life to everything he did,” one teammate shared. “On the field, in the surf, or just hanging out — he had this rare ability to make everyone feel like they mattered.”
The Palm Beach Currumbin Football Club issued a heartfelt statement, calling Jackson “a treasured part of our football family, a young man of character, courage, and kindness who will be deeply missed.”
While the exact cause of his death has not been publicly released, the family has asked for privacy as they process this immense loss. In the meantime, local schools and community support organizations have begun offering grief counseling and mental health resources for those affected.
A candlelight vigil is being planned for the coming days at Palm Beach — a place that held so much meaning in Jackson’s life. Friends, teammates, and supporters will gather to share memories, celebrate his legacy, and find comfort in one another as they mourn a life taken far too soon.
Jackson Graham’s sudden passing is a devastating loss to the entire Gold Coast community. He will be remembered not only for his talents and achievements but for his warmth, his spirit, and the joy he brought to others. His legacy will live on in the waves he rode, the games he played, and the hearts he touched.
May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.