Nathan Weckert death: Family pain after alleged driver hit with drug charges

Nathan Weckert’s devastated family say they’re still searching for answers after their son was killed by an alleged drug driver on the Bruce Highway at Palmview.

The devastated parents of a beloved teenager allegedly hit and killed by a drug driver at Palmview say they’re disappointed with the charges laid against the alleged driver.

Nathan Weckert, 17, died on the side of the Bruce Highway on the night of August 30, 2021 after allegedly being struck by a vehicle.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said a 22-year-old Parkwood man had been charged with drug driving and keeping to the left on a multi-lane road.

His parents Shannon Dodson and Jason Weckert say they’re stunned as to why the alleged driver was not handed a more serious charge.

Nathan Weckert and his loving family in happier times. The 17-year-old was hit and killed in a crash at Palmview in August 2021. Picture: Contributed

 Police investigated the crash and said Nathan had been travelling north on the highway when his vehicle collided with the guard rail.

The initial investigations said Nathan was waiting for assistance in the emergency stopping lane when he was hit.

Police say Nathan was pronounced dead at the scene while the Gold Coast man was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Popular Sunshine Coast footballer Nathan Weckert died on the Bruce Highway in August, 2021.

The police spokeswoman said the Sunshine Coast Forensic Crash Unit had updated Nathan’s parents throughout the investigation including its outcome and the charges laid.

“Police have spoken to the family at length about these charges,” the spokeswoman said.

“Charges preferred against any person by police is done in accordance with the evidence obtained, legislative requirements and the requirements of relevant criminal offences.

“The loss of a child is unimaginable, and our thoughts remain with the Weckert family during this terrible time.”

Siblings Ryan, Jordyn, Nathan and Corey of the tight knit Dodson and Weckert clan.

Mr Weckert said it didn’t matter how little or large the amount of drugs in one’s system were.

“It does send the wrong message, it’s still illegal to drive on drugs,” Mr Weckert said.

“There needs to be an accountability factor.”

Ms Dodson, who was at the crash scene within minutes of it unfolding, said she had reviewed the footage of the incident.

She said about 100 cars had passed Nathan without an issue, all bar one.

Nathan Weckert and his mum Shannon Dodson together. Picture: Contributed

Ms Dodson said she had once planned to be a part of the man’s life and help him with his rehabilitation.

That was before the drug charges were laid.

The Parkwood man is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on February 28.

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