Nathan Weckert death: Alleged drug driver faces court

The identity of an alleged drug driver charged in relation to a crash that killed adored teenager Nathan Weckert has been revealed in a Sunshine Coast court.

An alleged drug driver charged in relation to a crash that killed a beloved teenager with the world at his feet has faced court for the first time.

Nathan Weckert was just 17 when he was killed in a roadside tragedy on the Bruce Highway at Palmview on August 30, 2021.

A previous statement from police said Nathan had been travelling north on the highway when his car was understood to have hit a guardrail.

The police statement said Nathan had exited his vehicle and was waiting for help in the emergency stopping lane when another northbound car allegedly collided with him about 8pm.

Nathan died at the scene.

Nathan Weckert was mourned by the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane communities after his tragic death. Picture: Olympic FC Facebook

Declan Vern Peter McMurray whose car allegedly hit and killed Nathan was charged with driving while a drug was present in his saliva and keeping to the left of a multi-lane road.

The 22-year-old Gold Coast resident didn’t appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday when his matters were briefly mentioned for the first time.

Nathan left behind parents Shannon Dodson and Jason Weckert, siblings Corey, Jordyn and Ryan and three-month-old niece Harper.

Nathan Weckert and his loving family in happier times. Picture: Contributed

More than 1500 people attended Nathan’s funeral at Sunshine Coast Stadium to farewell the vibrant, energetic boy who lived life to the fullest.

Mr McMurray will face Southport Magistrates Court on March 9.

Queensland flood emergency saw Maroochydore court closed on Monday.

All defendants were asked not to attend court, instead having their matters dealt with via phone or adjourned.