Gordon Brinsmead was killed in an alleged hit and run at River Heads

Close friends of a respected former Sydney chiropractor, killed in an alleged hit and run in the Fraser Coast town he’d moved to in retirement, have paid tribute.

Gordon Brinsmead, 84, died when his mobility scooter was struck by a car in River Heads on Friday.

In her mind the image returns again and again – a white sheet covering her friend’s body and his slippers, which came off when he was allegedly struck by a speeding vehicle, strewn across the street.

Colleen Szabo had tears in her eyes as she described the shock she felt at learning of the death of her former boss and friend of more than 22 years, Gordon Brinsmead, an 84-year-old retired chiropractor from Tahmoor in NSW, who was killed in an alleged hit and run at River Heads on Friday.

She had raced to the scene in the small Fraser Coast seaside village with her husband, George, after they heard the news from one of Gordon’s neighbours.

As they drove to Ariadne Street, Colleen kept thinking it “couldn’t possibly be Gordon” but when they saw his mobility scooter, they had to accept the terrible news was true.

Colleen, who told Fraser Coast Chronicle she had dropped to the ground and cried at the scene, said “all I wanted to do was go and hug him”.

Later, listening to a news bulletin, Colleen heard the description – an 84-year-old man … an elderly man allegedly hit and killed in a horror crash.

She knew that she wanted the world to know he was so much more than that.

River Heads residents Colleen and George Szabo with a photo of their beloved friend Gordon Brinsmead, who died when his mobility scooter was struck by a car.

For more than two decades, Colleen worked as a receptionist for Gordon, who was a renowned chiropractor in Sydney’s Campbelltown. His retirement, after 48 years, was marked in the MacArthur Chronicle.

He had studied overseas and although he was known for his chiropractic work, he was also a gifted piano player and artist.

Gordon would often play the piano for his patients at his Sydney clinic.

In her River Heads home Colleen has pieces of his artwork and marvels at his creations, many of which capture the rich Australian bush and countryside.

Gordon never married or had children, but his life was full.

Along with his work, he had a number of siblings and extended family.

Most of all, he had Colleen and George, who were like family.

When Colleen and George moved to River Heads to retire, Gordon visited every few months.

He fell in love with the area and wanted to be close to his friends.

Gordon Brinsmead, 84, died when his mobility scooter was struck by a car in River Heads on Friday.

So, in May, he bought a home near Colleen and George and the three caught up every day, enjoying coffee by the sea and movie nights.

The had only just shared what Colleen described as a perfect day on Thursday, the day before Gordon died, at the beach.

Gordon told the couple they were his children and joked “I want to adopt you two”, Colleen said.

He had quickly become known as something of a character around River Heads, endearing locals with his sense of humour and fun and desire to put a smile on the face of everyone he met.

He loved to head over to the shops and enjoy a coffee and a sausage roll.

On the day he was allegedly struck and killed, the time was about 2.30pm.

Colleen has no doubt he was headed to the coffee shop to relax with a coffee and enjoy a bit of friendly banter.

Colleen Szabo and Gordon Brinsmead during their years working together.

She said she was very grateful to everyone who helped her friend after the crash and offered their support since.

Still, each day is a struggle.

“When do the tears stop?” she said.

River Heads pharmacist Mark McMurtrie told the Chronicle Gordon had become a popular customer.

“He was a jovial and humorous gentleman,” he said, describing the news of Gordon’s death as a “devastating shock”.

The driver accused of hitting Gordon and fleeing the scene has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, fail to remain at scene with callous disregard and drive unlicensed.

He is due to appear in the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on December 16 and remains on bail.

The Forensic Crash Unit is calling for any witnesses to the crash, or anyone who may have dashcam footage of the green sedan, to contact police.