Mourners gather for Dawlon Smith-Saunders’ Nambour funeral

Mourners gathered to remember a generous, kind boy who died after he was struck by a ute, as police confirm a driver has been charged with allegedly causing his death.

Mourners gathered to remember the life of Dawlon Smith-Saunders, 12, who was struck by a ute on Father's Day and died on September 17.

A kind and active little boy has been farewelled following his tragic death on the Sunshine Coast on Father’s Day.

Dawlon Smith-Saunders, 12, was riding his scooter along David Low Way at Bli Bli when he was struck by a Mazda ute about 5.10pm on Father’s Day, September 3.

He suffered critical injuries and was flown to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane where he died on September 17.

More than 150 mourners, made up of family, friends and school teachers gathered in Nambour Thursday, October 12, to remember a kind, generous boy.

A small coffin with Dawlon’s beloved Broncos’ logo adorning it was draped with the Aboriginal flag and a large and colourful wreath.

Dawlon Smith-Saunders was struck by a ute while riding his scooter in Bli Bli on Father’s Day, September 3.

Mourners remembered how Dawlon loved swimming, fishing, crabbing and anything water-related.

Some who spoke also acknowledged the 12-year-old’s friends who did not leave his side after the crash occurred.

Mourners gathered to remember the life of Dawlon Smith-Saunders, 12, who died on September 17.

His older sister Letitia Smith said she would play with her children and then be struck by the thought that Dawlon would not become a parent, or get his licence, or finish his first year of high school.

“He always had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved,” she said.

She said memories of Dawlon would remain “forever in our hearts”.

“You always meant so much to me and always will,” she said.

Dawlon Smith-Saunders’ older sister, Letitia Smith, spoke about her brother at his funeral on October 12.

“We will never forget the love you brought into our lives.”

Celebrant Tonie Prasser led the hour-long service and said it was time to grieve a young man’s life.

“This is a tragic series of events that has brought you all together when none of you should be here,” he said.

After paying tribute to Dawlon’s life, a slide show of photographs was shown before members of the crowd came forward to sprinkle rose petals on his coffin.

Queensland Police confirmed on Thursday that a 27-year-old man, who was previously charged with drink driving following the incident, was also now charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

The Bli Bli man will face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on October 30.