Broc Dawson: Sunshine Coast pilot’s legacy lives on one year after crash
A Queensland mum reveals the ongoing devastating effect of losing her teenage son, an aspiring commercial pilot, in a fatal crash that claimed two lives.
One year since Broc Dawson’s untimely death, his mother is remembering the 17-year-old aspiring pilot’s legacy to ‘just live life’.
Broc Dawson, a Caloundra Christian College student, was tragically killed when his Toyota Corolla collided with a man on an unregistered, uninsured motorbike in Nirimba at the Central Ave and Aura Blvd traffic lights on September 14 last year. The motorcycle rider, who was in his 30s, was also declared dead at the scene.
Broc’s mother, Krystn Dawson, said drivers’ mindsets had to change as people did not care about others on the road.“We’re too much of a self-centred society,” she said.
“These days, everybody’s all for themselves and everybody’s in a hurry to get somewhere, so they don’t care if they run (through red) lights.”
The 17-year-old was an aspiring pilot who had already earned his private licence and dreamed of one day flying commercially.
He paid for most of his flying lessons himself, working long hours in hospitality while still in school.
“He worked about 25 hours a week when kids his age were only supposed to do 12,” Mrs Dawson said.
Broc’s love for aviation began early.
He taught himself to fly on simulators before taking lessons at Caloundra, where he even took his mum and friends up for flights.
His goal was to progress to commercial training at Redcliffe.Outside of flying, Brock enjoyed spending time with friends, at the gym, and at Moffat Beach.
His mother said he was adventurous, social, and much loved.
“At his funeral, the chapel was packed, and people were standing outside,” she said.
The grief of losing him remains overwhelming.
“It still doesn’t feel real,” Mrs Dawson said.
“My birthday was three days after the accident, so I don’t celebrate anymore.”
He leaves behind four siblings and parents who miss him dearly.
To honour him, family and friends held a party at Baringa Tavern for what would have been his 18th birthday.
“Broc would have wanted a celebration,” she said.
She said Broc’s legacy would be for people to “live life and do everything they can”.
While a petition had called for safety upgrades at the crash site, no action has been taken yet.
