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10:34AM Wednesday 15 July, 2009

Man in 20s killed by car on footpath

Published 11:04a.m. 9th January 2009

| By Roxanne McCarty-O'Kane and Kerryn Manifold


Updated 3:13p.m. 9th January 2009

Man in 20s killed by car on footpath

A car left the road and killed a man at Golden Beach. Photo: Roxanne McCarty-O'Kane

A car being driven by a 71-year-old man slammed into and killed a man in his 20s who was sitting on a park bench next to a Sunshine Coast road.

Police say a car crashed into a man who was sitting on a park bench on the side of the road near the intersection of Golden Beach Esplanade and Burke Street about 10.20am.

Paramedics tried to revive the man but he died at the scener.

The driver was trapped and emergency crews removed him from the car.

He is in a stable condition in Caloundra Hospital.

The car came to rest near a popular access point to Golden Beach.

A near-by resident was shaken following the crash.

“It’s alarming. It could have been any one of us,” she said.

“And if it was a sunny day, tourists would frequent the area too.

"It was lucky nobody else got hurt.”

Police Forensic Crash Unit officers are investigating.

Anybody with information that could assist police should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Golden Beach Esplanade and Burke Street

Recent Comments

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Posted by localgirl from caloundra west
on 9 January, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
to anyone who witnessed the accident please phone Road Trauma Services on 54526726.
They are there to help and it's free
Posted by sav77 from Currumundi
on 9 January, 2009 at 3:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Where are the comments attacking this driver, like there normally is attacking younger drivers who have accidents on coasts roads.
"take their cars off them, that's the only way to tackle the road deaths" are the normal comments relating to such articles.
Is the lack of comments due to the fact, that most of those who comment on youth drivers, are in the same vote as the elderly driver, and probably shouldn't hold their license anymore either. Pity the government only cares about getting votes, and not the safety of Caloundra Citizens.
Posted by starfish from Battery Hill
on 9 January, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The gentleman had a heart attack I believe sav77 ... I don't think he can be blamed for that, but I do see your point
Posted by coastalbrad from Golden Beach
on 9 January, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
oh sav77. what a sad day to be point-scoring.
Posted by Tonsar from Caloundra
on 9 January, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sadly I knew and worked with the victim from the bench. It is such a senseless waste of life. My thoughts are with His Girlfriend, their families, and his workmates at this time.

Rest in Peace Mate.
I hope that one day we meet again.
Posted by chillibin from little mountain
on 9 January, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
older people are more prone to health issues such as sudden heart attacks sav - it doesnt mean they should have their license taken away - most elderly people are very responsible drivers, unlike a great percentage of younger drivers. Sorry but that's a fact.
Posted by News_Watcher from Redcliffe
on 9 January, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ed. Considering the breaking news down here off Redcliffe re a boat on fire and some Brisbane based stories; when is this going to stop when motorists continue to do the wrong thing? Eight injured in Brisbane as a result of a head-on and these are amongst many in recent weeks. We know that the "onus" is on a motorist to inform the Department of Transport if there's any change in a person's health.
We know that there are good and bad in all ages.
Posted by JustThinking from Kawana
on 9 January, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Truly awful. And yes, the driver can't be blamed for having a heart attack. That could happen to a lot of people of all ages at any time, including driving.
Posted by gypsy_girl_72 from little mountain
on 9 January, 2009 at 5:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Very,Very sad.Clearly this was a freak accident and the man can't be blamed for having a heart attack.He may have had no previous medical issues that would have suggested he was likely to suffer a heart attack.As JustThinking has said it can happen to anyone of us at any age.My heart goes out to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life aswell as the driver and his family.
Posted by karma01 from wurtulla
on 9 January, 2009 at 5:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I knew the gentleman that lost his life, He was one of the nicest people I have met in my life. My thoughts are with his family. Its sad that someone so young is not given the chance to enjoy a long life. Rest In Peace
Posted by joey1 from sippy downs
on 9 January, 2009 at 8:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
what an idiot, the guy who wanted the driver off the road, the poor guy had a heart attack! young drunk rivers is totally different - pull your head in!
Posted by Leila from Caloundra
on 9 January, 2009 at 8:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
May I just say that another elderly person has created havoc and destroyed many many lives. My husband, Cameron was also killed a couple of hundred metres down the road when an 87 year old woman turned right into Oxley Street, and wiped him out while he was driving his Harley Davidson. When will the laws change so that elderly drivers NEED to do a practical test each year to prove their ability on the road. The sad thing is that this old lady who killed my husband has been charged with a minor traffic offence, and is fighting this charge. Her trial in the Magistrate Court will be 18 months after the accident. When will she let his family move on. I hope this doesn't happen to this situation.

My sympathies for this man's family and friends.

leila
Posted by mac78 from buddina
on 9 January, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
An absoloutely terrible, tragic accident. I knew the him and he was an amazing guy with a huge future. An amazing guys life cut tragically short. Rest In Peace mate. But as I say it was a tragic accident, of which the driver was not a fault, just a terrible, terrible accident.
Posted by coops from little mountain
on 9 January, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
It is easy for those who don't know either the victim or the driver to point the finger and blame. I know, I've been that person that has pointed the finger in blame before. We all have differing feelings and opinions on this issue. As someone who has worked with the victim, my thoughts go out to his partner and family. My thoughts also go out to the driver and his family. No family should have to endure this. RIP Mate.
Posted by aaliyahskye17 from beerburrum
on 9 January, 2009 at 9:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I can remember about 8 years ago an elderly lady reversed her car over another lady at bribie island and killed her,and yes she wasn't charged,
chillibin from little mountain: i think you should probably look at the stats of young drivers to the elderly,
once you go over the age of 60 i believe you should have to sit a test to see whether you are still alert and your reflexes are all up to scratch,I think there would be a lot of upset elderly with their licences taken off them,
many times i have seen elderly confused drivers going through roundabouts the wrong way or not doing the correct speed which tends to frustrate a lot of people.

if you are one of these people that drives 20 to 30 under the speed limit i think you should think of alternative transport because it is obvious you are frightened of driving the correct speed, therefore shouldn't be on the road.
Posted by truethat from currimundi
on 9 January, 2009 at 10:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yes sad to see such a young man lose his life, as far as the driver goes, its my belief that anyone 65years or over in a built up area with plenty of public transport around should surrender their licence ,as people age they not only have heart attacks there is a full range of complications lack of vision , stroke
and just good old no attention span easy distracted ect ect ,,the fact is this young man will not see his 30s 40s thats terrible ,,as far as young drivers - let's apply a speed limit to their cars and also enforce a curfew.
Posted by Yourthoughts from Bargara
on 9 January, 2009 at 10:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I knew and worked with the man that lost his life tragically today. Such a sad accident. He was one of the nicest guys you'd meet. He will be sadly missed and its a great loss to see him gone. My thoughts are with his family and girlfriend. Rest in Peace my mate.
Posted by ovieman1975 from Caloundra
on 10 January, 2009 at 12:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Another life loss, You were and always will be a champion, may you rest in peace you were gone far too ealry. from your mates in loose cannons.
Posted by Mack1 from Sunshine Coast
on 10 January, 2009 at 12:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
To 'joey1', not all young drivers drive drunk. This particular incident was just an accident. I work with a good friend of the young man, she actually drove past the scene but didn't find out until later who it was.
Also to 'truethat' a curfew is a just another way of older generations trying to make young people out to be the bad people. I work nights, and start school again in a couple weeks time. How the hell will a curfew work? The government won't pay me the money I earn from my job if I was forced to stop working because of a complete lack of stupidity in bringing in a law that won't do anything in regards to cutting the road toll.
Stupid drivers come in all ages, shapes and forms. I worked fulltime as a driver for a company and the majority or arrogant and blatantly ignorant drivers were not the elderly or the young. It was the middle aged people who seemed to think they had rights over everyone else on the road.

Another thing, a lot of people who have posted here need to pull their heads in because yet again, a simple tragedy has turned into a blame game.

When will people realise there is such a thing as a freak accident? After all, even though it is rare, it is not impossible for someone of any age to have a medical issue suddenly arise whilst they are driving or doing some other activity that could endanger someone else's life.
Posted by chillibin from little mountain
on 10 January, 2009 at 8:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
aaliyah do you know why insurance companies charge such exorbitant amounts for drivers under the age of 25? There is a reason for that. 2 P-platers are killed every week in Australia - I have read the statistics. And yes many elderly people have health issues that certainly need to be checked before they obtain a licencse and Im all for a yearly test for anyone over 65. However for those calling for anyone over this age to surrender their license is ridiculous and offensive to those with impeccable driving records.
Posted by chocbeach from kings beach
on 10 January, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
spot on leila,as age proceeds,our body dosnt react as it once did.i think after age 65 we should be medically checked.so it will be expensive.so what? dosnt compare with the loss of life and devistation that accidental death costs.along with hearing loss,sight imparement there are 2 other factors ide like to present.1:older drivers lose confidence driving in todays traffic conditions.examples are driving at 10 to 20 klms below the speed limit,hugging the curb,indicision,particularly at round abouts, incorrect indicators or none at all.these practices are ripe for impatience by other road users,thus causing risks. 2: age creates problems with our skeletons.viz bone degeneration.older drivers cant manouvre thier bodies to suit the conditions.neck problems restrict movement left and right.how many times have you experienced drivers seemingly drive without looking.heaps.same goes for reversing.deepest sympathy the all involved with this young man.wrong place at the wrong time.
Posted by David73 from Buderim
on 10 January, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
We will all miss your visits to Coles Caloundra. Much admired young man with a fantastic personality who seemed to have many goals in life and was achieving them. Thoughts are with your family and workmates
Posted by ColesGirl from Buderim
on 10 January, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sadly i knew and adored the guy who lost his life. He was amazing and funny and we were all so lucky to know him.. it was a dark day for all of us who loved him. my heart goes out to his family. ill miss you always hun. you'll stay in my heart forever. x
Posted by a123123 from deagon
on 10 January, 2009 at 6:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
i have to say that i didnt know him very well but he was really nice an his gf is my cousin shes not in a good way at all, i feel for everyone.
Posted by jwbrod from Townsville
on 10 January, 2009 at 10 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I still find it hard mate that I only spoke to you only 2 days ago, and then yesterday I got the call from my old 'home' that you were gone. Life is not fair mate, I hope to see you again one day mate. But not now we will let fate decide that one.

Your friend from up north, I hope to make it back to say goodbye
Posted by TeamRed from Buddina
on 11 January, 2009 at 7:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree with everyone who has said that over 65 need to redo a test every year. Yes it wasnt the drivers fault, he cant be blamed for having a heart attack, but thats gotta be expected as we age our body starts slowing down and slowly dieing off.

To Luke, the most thoughfull person with the highest integrity, this isnt goodbye, its talk soon mate.
Posted by Auditor from Mt Coolum
on 11 January, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
On what demonstrated criterior does TeamRed and the like decide on age 65 to 'redo' a test(?) every year.

Why not 60 or 70 or 50 or 30 or never.

Sweeping statements don't make it so, demonstrate and justify such 'ideas'
Posted by turbo_gtr86 from Maryborough
on 11 January, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
How can you guys argue about the young vs old drivers, When such a great guy such as Luke Died due to another drivers medical problem, Its hardly any ones fault but the point is he is gone forever, I think i can speak for all people in Maryborough that you will be missed Luke and its a shame Not to be able to speak again
Posted by TeamRed from Buddina
on 11 January, 2009 at 12:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Statistics prove that its the over 65.

What more 'criterior' do you want?
Posted by bendertiger from Calamvale
on 11 January, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is why we need mandatory driving tests and physical examinations for all driver's over a pre-determined age, probably 65-70!
Posted by Auditor from Mt Coolum
on 12 January, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"Statistics prove that its the over 65."

What statisics?

Show me!
Posted by bb from Palmwoods
on 12 January, 2009 at 9:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
chillibin - it's not the young drivers fault that they're also represented in statistics a lot - they don't get taught to drive properly!!!

DEFENSIVE DRIVING courses need to be compulsory!!! What's the point of driving with your parents etc. for 100 hours as a learner, if they're just teaching you their bad habits?

Young people need professional defensive driving courses at proper facilities, off public roads. While they're at it, their parents could join them as a refresher, too!

Retesting, even starting with basic regular health checks, would not go astray for all drivers, particularly as they get older.

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