Tributes for British tourist John Cunningham, 57, killed in ‘heartbreaking’ circumstances at Harbour Town on Gold Coast

Tributes are flowing for a British tourist killed in a freak accident outside the Harbour Town shopping centre on the Gold Coast in a tragedy witnessed by horrified family.

Tributes are flowing for a British tourist killed in a freak accident outside a Gold Coast shopping centre during a family holiday to Australia.

John Cunningham, 57, believed to be from the north of England, was struck by a ute outside the Harbour Town shopping centre on Wednesday in a tragedy witnessed by horrified family.

It’s understood he may have stepped out from behind a bus on Oxley Dr and was hit by the Holden Colorado dual-cab driven by a 19-year-old Biggera Waters man.

The man and other onlookers tried to help Mr Cunningham but he died at the scene.

The tragedy has rocked family and friends in the UK, with one woman posting: “So heartbreaking. Don’t seem right.”

John Cunningham, 57, was struck by a ute outside the Harbour Town shopping centre on Wednesday in a tragedy witnessed by horrified family.

One woman posted a heartbreaking video of Mr Cunningham and wife Ann Marie delightedly embracing some of their grandkids at a birthday party just days ago at a Gold Coast caravan park where their daughter was staying.

“RIP never seen sadder … pray for the family, RIP John Cunningham,” she wrote.

Another friend posted: “Rest in peace to a true gentleman … a family man. I am lost for words. I remember the first day we stayed with you 18 years ago, you were such a caring person. Please keep his wife and children in prayer.”

John Cunningham was on holiday on the Gold Coast when the tragedy happened.

Tributes hailed him as a true gentleman and family man.

A woman wrote: “RIP Uncle John Cunningham, can’t believe it. Watched us all grow up, pray for his family.”

Another woman posted: “RIP my cousin John Cunningham, I hope you have a lovely bed in heaven.”

Mrs Cunningham had posted videos to Facebook in recent days of she and her husband enjoying a Singapore stopover en route to Australia.

Police are continuing to investigate the tragedy and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.