Driver, 15, dies after car ends up in swamp on Helensvale Rd, Gold Coast

A 15-year-old girl has died after the car she was driving crashed and ended up in swamp water on the Gold Coast with loved ones leading tributes for the “precious sweet angel”.

The 15-year-old driver has been identified as Alyra Whalen.

Police have revealed a key focus of their investigation into the death of a teenage girl who died after the car she was driving ended up in swamp water on the Gold Coast.

Police said the girl was driving a Toyota Corolla sedan westbound on Helensvale Rd just after midnight on Monday when it lost control, hit a street sign and came to a stop in swamp water.

Emergency services were called to the scene just after midnight. Picture: 9 News

The 15-year-old girl, from Molendinar, died at the scene. Two passengers, a 21-year-old male and a 15-year-old male, were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital.

The 21-year-old suffered significant chest pain and the 15-year-old boy suffered significant leg injuries.

Their conditions were serious but non-life threatening.

The 15-year-old driver has been identified as Alyra Whalen.

Gold Coast Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said the incident was “a tragedy”.

“It’s another young person that has lost their life.”

He said one of the injured passengers is the registered owner of the vehicle. Police haven’t taken formal statements from the pair yet.

“Part of our investigation will be where their journey started and what were they doing prior to getting in the vehicle,” Chief Supt Hanlon said.

“The concern for police is why the 15-year-old female was driving.”

Friends on social media have described her as a “beautiful soul” that was sweet and kind hearted.

“(She) was taken too quick, too suddenly and too early,” one friend posted to social media.

“You are daddy’s little monster and mummies (sic) precious sweet angel who meant everything to them.

“You are always going to be missing and always will be honoured in this generation, darling girl.”

The 15-year-old driver has been identified as Alyra Whalen.

A fundraiser has been set up for Alyra on Sunday night.

“I’m fundraising for the loss of Alyra Whalen, a young beautiful girl full of smiles,” the GoFund Me read.

“Alyra was a young smart beautiful girl full of joy and happiness in her life.

“This fundraising is going towards her family in the help of the funeral and more towards our beloved Alyra.”

Nearly $400 was raised in the first two hours.

Police are investigating ownership of the vehicle but it was not reported stolen.

Travelling west along a winding section of road, the car crashed just before the school zone speed limit signage for Helensvale State High School. The car tore apart fencing, ploughing into swamp land in the Salt Water Creek and wetland area, leaving behind shattered car mirrors and personal items destroyed from the impact.

The car ended up in swamp water. Picture: 9 News

Police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward as investigations continue.

Helensvale Road has wetlands to its southern boundary. It is a winding major link road to Hope Island.

The City is considering how to upgrade the road to four lanes given it will be significant connection road to the Coomera Connector being built through the suburbs.

A detailed report is currently being prepared to council.

The cost could be more than $150 million with the challenge widening as it has the wetlands boundary.