Loved ones remember father Bryce Williams who was involved in alleged hit and run near Nanango, Kingaroy
A Sunshine Coast man who was allegedly struck by a car and killed near Kingaroy 12 months ago has been remembered by loved ones at an inaugural sporting tournament dedicated in his honour. It comes after police have charged the driver involved.
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Loved ones of a man who was the victim of an alleged hit and run have rallied together 12 months since he was killed near Kingaroy.
Sunshine Coast man Bryce Williams was jogging along Nanango Brooklands Rd, near Kingaroy, when he was allegedly struck by a passing car about 6.30pm on September 6, 2022.
Nathan Groves, who met the late father of two through mutual friends at a party, said he had been best friends with Mr Williams since they were 17 years old.
“Brycey really was the full package – he won surfing competitions for Australia, played for the Newcastle Breakers and he was a good looking lad,” Mr Groves said.
“He was one of those people you knew you wanted to be around as soon as you met him because of his sense of humour, character and charisma.”
From travelling through Europe for four months together in 2012, to becoming dads for the first time, Mr Groves said the friendship he shared with his late mate blossomed in many ways over the years.
Mr Groves purchased a house on the Sunshine Coast to be closer to his friend 12 months before he passed away, but sadly this time together was cut short.
It is understood Mr Williams was in Nanango for work and was exercising when he was allegedly struck and killed by a passing car in September 2022.
Emergency services rushed to the incident, but Mr Williams sadly died at the scene from his injuries.
Heartbreakingly, he left behind his partner Abbey Ginns and two young children – his daughter Woodi and son Rome.
“I have special memories of Bryce that will live with me forever, but the main one for me was us becoming dads,” Mr Groves said.
“(Bryce’s passing) has changed our lives forever in more ways than one … he was the Godfather to my oldest daughter, my kids sleep with a photo of him beside their bed every single night and sometimes they take him (the photo) to the beach.
“I definitely see parts of him in his kids, especially his young fella Romey … we have a pretty special bond.”
In a touching tribute to the late Sunshine Coast man, Mr Groves and two friends hosted an inaugural golf tournament in Mr Williams’ honour.
The Bryce Williams Invitational was held at Mt Coolum Golf Club in September on the first anniversary of his passing, with intentions to hold the fundraiser every year.
While hundreds of people and businesses expressed interest in attending or sponsoring the event, a full course meant the organisers had to cap the event at 90 people, who together raised $30,000 for Ms Ginns and their two children.
“The support was great but (Bryce) had such a huge impact on so many people that we knew everyone would drop anything to do whatever they could to remember him,” Mr Groves said.
“Everyone has a special story about him, so it was great to have this space where all the people who love Bryce could come together to talk about and remember him.”
On the anniversary of his death, Ms Ginns posted a touching tribute to her late partner on Instagram.
“Today marks a year without your physical presence. The hardest year of our lives,” the post said.
“We miss you every single day darlin’. I love you so much.”
Charges laid over alleged hit and run
Brooklands man Walter Evan McBryde is now facing multiple charges in relation to Mr Williams’ death.
These charges include dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death whilst adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, driver fail to remain at incident, immediately stop at incident and exhibit proper respect to deceased showing callous disregard for the needs of a person injured.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said McBryde who is now aged 52, was issued with a notice to appear in court on February 17.
He first appeared at the Nanango Magistrates Court on March 13 and was granted bail.
The man is next expected to appear on October 9, however the dangerous operation charge will be dealt with in the District Court.
It follows a lengthy police investigation which included the seizure of a white Ford Falcon.
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Originally published as Loved ones remember father Bryce Williams who was involved in alleged hit and run near Nanango, Kingaroy
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