Tragic Death of Rising Star Shocks Gold Coast Community
The Gold Coast community is in mourning after the sudden and tragic death of Jackson “Jacko” Graham, a talented young surfer and footballer, at the age of 22.
Graham’s passing has left devastated family, friends, teammates, and fellow surfers across the world.
He was a child prodigy in surfing, becoming Palm Beach Boardriders’ open club champion at just 14.
He also made a mark on the national stage, winning Queensland’s 2019 Under-19 boys Mark Richards Shield with Joshua Boyle while at Palm Beach Currumbin SHS.
Surfing and Football Careers
In addition to his surfing achievements, Graham was a talented QAFL player for Palm Beach Currumbin Australian Football Club.
He played 174 games for the side, including 19 last season, and kicked five goals.
Graham’s sporting journey and zest for life inspired many young athletes in both surfing and football.
Pro surfers, including Callum Robson, Liam O’Brien, Micah Margieson, Thomas Carvalho, Tim Bain, and Japanese stars Toy Tanaka and Sein Fujimoto, have paid tribute to Graham.
His final Instagram post showed him surfing in perfect barrels, a fitting snapshot of his love for the ocean.
Tributes Flow
Other QAFL clubs, including Burleigh Bombers, Maroochydore, Pacific Pines, and Labrador, have expressed their condolences to Graham’s family and friends.
The Gold Coast surf and fishing lifestyle brand The Mad Hueys also paid tribute, writing: “Rest easy Jacko.
You’ll always be in the hearts of The Mad Hueys.”
A traditional paddle-out will be held at Palm Beach to honour Graham’s life, expected to draw a large crowd of local and international friends.
Queensland Police Service confirmed that there was nothing suspicious about Graham’s sudden death and no ongoing investigations are being conducted.
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling on 13 11 14.