Teen killed while riding skateboard identified

Distraught family and friends are grieving a 19-year-old skateboarder killed in a freak accident almost outside his home.

A young skateboarder has died in a freak accident after hitching a late-night ride on a car driven by his teenage brother just metres from their Scenic Rim home.

Couper Smith, 19, was killed after losing control of his skateboard at Tamborine about 11pm on Friday.

The man is believed to have grabbed hold of a four-wheel-drive driven by his 17-year-old brother and was being towed beside it when he fell off the skateboard, suffering critical head injuries.

The accident happened almost outside the siblings’ Ballantrae Rd home.

Distraught family and friends rushed to the scene, along with paramedics, but Mr Smith could not be saved.

Couper Smith.

Couper Smith

It is understood police do not believe alcohol or speed were factors in the accident. No charges have been laid.

Flowers and a Hot Wheels toy car were laid at the scene of the tragedy, with locals saying the community was in shock.

“A family is grieving and a lot of people are hurting,” an upset neighbour said.

Queensland Ambulance Service senior operations supervisor Jayney Shearman said Mr Smith was not wearing a helmet or protective clothing and suffered “significant” injuries.

“There were a number of bystanders and a number of his family members, and it was wonderful – they did everything they could to try and assist him on the scene,” she said.

“Incidents like these, they really do affect our officers. Our officers turn up, they work hard and they try to save lives, so situations like this are particularly difficult for them.

A tribute left at the scene of the Tamborine tragedy

“This was a particularly sad and tragic event resulting in the loss of life and the Queensland Ambulance Service would just like to extend their thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of this young man.”

Ms Shearman said the fatality was a tragic reminder to the community to think twice before taking part in high-risk activities.

“Riding skateboards at night … is inherently very dangerous,” she said.

“Any time you consider being involved in behaviour like this, then really assess the risks.”

It was one of two fatalities in the area within hours, with a man killed in a high-speed crash at Waterford West.

The 47-year-old died when the sedan he was driving slammed into a tree on Beutel St about 2am on Saturday.

A 42-year-old male passenger was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a stable condition.