On June 22, 2015, the Sunshine Coast rugby league community suffered an unimaginable loss. They paid tribute to James Ackerman, a young prop forward who played with the Sunshine Coast Falcons. At just 25 years old, Ackerman succumbed to injuries sustained during a Queensland Cup match against Norths Devils, where he was struck by a shoulder charge. His tragic death not only created an immeasurable hole in the sport but changed the lives of his loved ones forever.
Ackerman’s legacy is still very much alive today, especially among those who loved him the most. He is survived by his two young children Milly and Ollie. They were only two and three years old when he died. His widow, Saraa Spaens, herself recently remarried. All who did know James continue as brightly as ever to honor his remarkable memory.
A Legacy of Strength and Toughness
James Ackerman was known for his toughness and strength during his time as a defensive tackle on the field. Colleagues and friends describe him as someone who would always bounce back after a tackle, embodying resilience in every game he played.
Sonya looks back on her son’s remarkable character. “He was just so tough; he would just bounce straight back up,” she shared. His positive outlook on life often shone through in his words, as he would frequently say, “There’s always someone worse off than us” when faced with challenges.
Unfortunately, this mantra came to mean something else entirely for his family after the senseless killing that claimed his life. Sonya reflected on a poignant moment at her son’s grave, saying, “One day I was sitting by his grave sobbing and I said, ‘Who is worse off now?’” This comes from the profound grief that his family and friends are experiencing after his tragic and unexpected death.
Honoring His Memory
Now the community is getting ready to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Ackerman’s passing. His family and friends are planning a vibrant celebration of life that would make Bert proud. This great get together will include “a few beers, and a few bets,” as many suspect that is what James would have wanted.
Chris Flannery, a close friend, teammate, and co-captain, wished to ensure that Ackerman’s memory continued to spark the fire for All-Around within the club. “We’ve retired the number eight jersey at the club so when a new player asks why there isn’t a number eight jersey in our kit bag, we get to tell them it’s for James,” he stated.
From the moment she passed, the Sunshine Coast Falcons have taken numerous steps to ensure that Ackerman’s legacy lives on. The team’s commitment to remembering him serves as a reminder of the impact he had on the lives of many. Beyond jersey retirements, other tributes have poured in from those closest to him.
Sonya told us what the constant reminder of her son’s death means for her. “I still notice poignant reminders of his presence, such as random blasts of his favorite song or rainbows,” she remarked. Appositely enough, music was a huge part of James’s life. He developed a particular taste for songs by Uncle Kracker.
The Impact of His Loss
The effects of Ackerman’s death sparked serious debate about the safety of players and the duty of care in rugby league. In 2017, a coronial inquest scrutinised the incident in detail. It found that the Queensland Police Service should be commended for not seeking to press criminal charges.
Though this resolution offers relief, the emotional scars still linger for those who saw the tragedy transpire. Flannery shared about the day of the collision: “A lot of our trainers that were on the field that day and the things that they went through, they were the ones trying to revive him and bring him back.” Such memories continue to plague those who were there on that fateful afternoon.
Saraa Spaens reflected on the tragedy, stating, “We’ve seen James get knocked down and get back up thousands of times, so why not this time?” Her words convey a true sense of shock. They document the deep sense of loss that everyone who knew and loved him feels.
