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The Gold Coast surfing community has lost a beloved member. Queensland, Australia-based surfer Jackson “Jacko” Graham has passed away at the age of 22.
Graham was an up-and-coming competitive surfer who displayed talent from a young age. At 14 years old, he became the Palm Beach Boardriders’ open club champion. In 2019, he won Queensland’s Mark Richards Shield championship for under-19s along with Joshua Boyle. In 2020, he joined the WSL junior tour.
Fellow surfers flocked to social media to give remembrance to Graham. “Jacko was absolutely one of a kind, so talented and an all-round ripping bloke with the kindest heart in the world,” wrote QS surfer Oscar Berry. Jackson Bunch, Jack Freestone, Saffi Vette, George Pittar, Kelly Slater and more chimed in to praise Graham and offer condolences to his family and friends.
His talent wasn’t just limited to the lineup, either. Graham was also an accomplished Australian rules football player, competing with the QAFL’s Palm Beach Currumbin Australian Football Club.
“It is with heavy hearts that we hear of the heartbreaking news of the passing of Jackson,” wrote Leah Tupper of the The Palm Beach Currumbin Junior AFL Community, on a GoFundMe created to contribute funds to Graham’s family. “Jackson was not only a talented athlete but a kind, spirited, and much-loved part of our club and wider community. His passion for the game, his teammates and his infectious energy left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”
According to Daily Mail, Queensland Police Service confirmed there was nothing suspicious about the circumstances of Graham’s death and there are no ongoing investigations at this time. No cause of death was given by family or authorities.
Jackson’s funeral will be held at Currumbin Vikings SLSC on Thursday. A paddle out will be held for him at Palm Beach.
