Adam Hunter, a celebrated former player for the West Coast Eagles and advocate for reconciliation, passed away in early February. He was just 43 years old when he fell. The football community is mourning the loss of one of its most important leaders, advocates, and change-makers. He signed his name in the club’s history with his standout display as a player in the 2006 grand final.
Hunter played a total of 151 games for the West Coast Eagles during his career, transitioning from a defender to a versatile swingman. It was his flexibility on the field that propelled his team’s success. It all united in that 2006 grand final where he cemented his place as a central figure. In this game, Hunter scored the Eagles’ last goal, marking his immediate and indelible place in club history. His celebration of that goal would become a transcendent moment, an electrifying trailblazer that jettisoned him into the stratosphere with fans and players alike.
Photo from Channel 9 Hunter gave one of the great performances of any grand final. He had an outstanding 2007 season, finishing runner-up in the club’s best and fairest award. He proved his potential in the 2006 campaign, scoring 29 goals — as a midfielder! Injuries eventually cut short his playing career. He stepped down from the top level at the end of the 2009 season.
Even with the incredible career he cultivated on the field, Hunter was fighting demons away from it. He was found unresponsive in February, and an autopsy later determined the cause of death was meth-induced heart failure. Additional information revealed that Hunter had pre-existing coronary artery disease, and his drug use contributed to these cardiac issues.
Latisha Yacoub, Hunter’s life partner, was the person who discovered him. But she couldn’t do anything to save him as he lay unresponsive on their bedroom floor. At Tali, Yacoub described feeling utterly devastated and shocked in the midst of this tragedy.
“What have you done, what have you done,” she recalled in anguish after discovering him.
Yacoub spoke deeply about their relationship and praised Hunter’s willingness to learn and grow. She remembered him saying, “I just want to make this work so bad.
Hunter’s unexpected passing has created an immeasurable void in the lives of his family and friends, as well as the entire AFL community. Tributes continue to come in from fans and former teammates. They won’t forget the incredible football talent and the off-field struggles that he later had to navigate.
The West Coast Eagles released a statement expressing their condolences and praising Hunter’s dedication and commitment to the team over the years. His legacy as a champion player will live on. With this tragic, shocking death, we are reminded of the unseen wars so many athletes are fighting behind closed doors.
