Tributes flow for beloved South West musician and hockey star Indee Elphick after losing battle with cancer

South West musician and hockey talent Indee Elphick has died following a battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer at just 23 years old. Elphick was diagnosed with NUT carcinoma in 2025, forcing him to step away from work and focus on his health. In January this year, he launched a GoFundMe campaign titled Indee’s Final Track, which raised more than $43,500 as friends, family and the wider community rallied around him. The fundraiser detailed his determination to complete a long-held goal of building a professional recording setup and producing music under his solo project, Zeplin. “As if seven months ago I was diagnosed with terminal cancer (N.U.T Carcinoma), one of the rarest and most aggressive types, therefore forcing me to quit work, in order to prioritise my health and focus on the things I love — music, family and friends,” he wrote. Elphick’s journey into music began during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, when he taught himself guitar through YouTube tutorials after his involvement in hockey was put on hold. The Bunbury-raised musician went on to perform across Western Australia with two bands while also releasing solo material. His songs gained traction on radio and streaming platforms, with his track Wonderful recording more than 70,000 plays. Elphick told the Times in 2022 that music “instantly became a big passion”. “I just love music and how it becomes a way of reflecting and knowing other people go through similar experiences — it’s beautiful,” he said. In a statement shared by Bunbury Hockey Stadium on behalf of his family, he was remembered as a humble player. “He was always humble and displayed great sportsmanship on and off the field,” the statement said, noting the strong support shown by the hockey community through fundraisers and donations. The statement also reflected on his dedication to music in his final months, noting he had only a short time to use his recording equipment before his condition worsened. Elphick began playing at the age of five and spent 14 years with the Bunbury and District Hockey Association. He was selected at State level on five occasions across indoor and outdoor hockey and was part of the South West Academy of Sport for three years. “We cannot thank everyone enough for the lifting of Indee’s spirit with the love he felt from you all,” the post read.