Pedestrian hit in Kuraby crash died on her birthday

The pedestrian killed in a crash in Kuraby on Sunday has been identified, with the tragedy happening on her 72nd birthday. The driver has now faced court.

Carmel Maree Magutau, pictured inset, faced court on Monday over the crash.

The woman killed in a devastating pedestrian car crash in Kuraby on Sunday morning has been identified as Maria Teresa Gomez.

The 72-year-old was tragically struck and killed by a passing car while walking along Beenleigh Rd at 7.45am on Sunday, which was her birthday.

In further tragic details, Ms Gomez had lost her husband just two months ago.

Her devastated family have now spoken out about losing their beloved mother and grandmother, revealing Ms Gomez had survived earthquakes, civil wars and cancer before her untimely death.

Ms Gomez had moved to Australia from South America, with her extended family and friends now mourning her from El Salvador.

The Kuraby crash site. Picture: Liam Kidston

Ms Gomez’s four children and six grandchildren said they were beyond devastated they had not been able to spend her 72nd birthday with her.

The woman driving the vehicle that struck Ms Gomez, Carmel Maree Magutau, has since been charged with dangerous driving causing death, driving whilst intoxicated and refusal to provide a breath and saliva test to police.

Ms Magutau was granted bail on Monday at the Brisbane Arrest Court, with Magistrate Judith Daley noting her lack of criminal history.

The car involved in the crash. Picture: Liam Kidston

Ms Magutau’s legal counsel told the court Ms Magutau, a full-time warehouse worker in Murarrie, had no criminal history and would be able to live with her family at their Sunnybank Hills home if released on bail.

She said Ms Magutau had suffered from anxiety since being in custody.

Ms Magutau appeared very solemn in the watch house box and sat slumped and unmoving as her matter was heard.

Magistrate Judith Daley said the crash was “tragic”, but granted Ms Magutau bail due to her clean criminal record.

“The circumstances that are attached to this are tragic,” she said.

“The (bail) condition will be that she must not drive any vehicle.”

Ms Magutau left court on Monday night, using her court papers to shield her face from media.

Ms Magutau’s matter will be next heard on December 12.

Police from the Forensic Crash Unit are renewing their appeal for members of the public to come forward as they continue their investigation into Sunday’s crash.

Officers are appealing to anyone who may have seen the blue Toyota Corolla hatch in the area about 7.45am, or who may have witnessed the crash, to contact them.