Broc Dawson’s parents speak out after Nirimba double fatal crash
A grief-stricken mother says she will never forget holding her boy’s lifeless body or stroking his hair in a car wreck, following a horror Sunshine Coast crash caused by a motorcyclist. SPECIAL TRIBUTE
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Grief-stricken after a motorcyclist killed their 17-year-old son and permanently injured his best friend, a Sunshine Coast couple says they will be forever proud of the legacy left behind by their boy.
In the early hours of Saturday, September 14, 32-year-old Trent Donovan rode his motorcycle through a red light in Nirimba on the Sunshine Coast.
He collided with the Toyota Corolla of 17-year-old Broc Dawson. They both died at the scene.
Jet Dennien, 16, a passenger in the Corolla, lost one his eyes and suffered other injuries in the crash.
Broc’s funeral was held last Thursday.
KNOCK ON THE DOOR
Krystn and Peter Dawson were at their family home of seven years, in Golden Beach, when police knocked on their door just before 2am.
“Police woke us up and I said ‘argh what’s he done’,” Mr Dawson said as tears ran down his face.
“They told me I’d better sit down. I said no I won’t be sitting down just for you to tell me bad news.
“Tough gig for a cop.”
Police recommended the couple did not go to the crash site that morning.
“I mulled around the house crying for about an hour but then I said ‘I’m going out there’,” Mrs Dawson said.
“It was about 3.30am in the morning and they were just about to take them (the bodies) away.
“They removed the other person and I came over and spent 10 last minutes with him.
“I needed to do it.
“It was quite emotional for me. I’ll never be able to erase that memory out of my mind.
“I held him and rubbed his hair and squeezed his hands and spoke to him.
“I told my boy that I was sorry and that I loved him.”
THE MEMORIAL
His heartbroken parents, speaking to this publication from the crash site on Aura Blvd and Central Ave where a massive tribute has been created, have only returned there twice since the morning he died.
“It feels eerie being here,” Mr Dawson said.
Mrs Dawson also said it felt “weird” at the tribute site.
“I can’t feel him here, all I feel here is sadness,” she said.
“We think he’s still at home. The front door opened on its own the night after (the fatal crash) and I believe that was Broc.
“I know not everyone believes in that but I do and I feel him at home and it’s helping me grieve.”
The parents said although it felt strange to be back where Broc died, they liked to be reminded of how loved their son was when looking at the memorial.
“Broc had a lot of friends,” Mr Dawson said.
“He had a handful of really close ones. They’re all good kids and larrikins just like Broc was.”
Broc was your typical 17-year-old boy.
His room was always messy, he loved sports — especially cricket — worked hard at school, had big dreams of being a pilot, worked part time at pizza shop by the beach and loved spending time with his friends and family.
His loving parents have left Broc’s bedroom as it was following his death.
Miraculously, he had actually cleaned it just days beforehand.
“He never made his bed but I’d been on him for a while that week and he’d done it for once,” his mother said.
“It’s pretty much exactly the same as it was before.
“His friends like to come over and spend time in there to feel close to him.
“His mates are always messaging me. I’ve been out to dinner with them a few times and they’re always over.”
Broc’s best friend, who was the passenger in the car, Jett, also visited often.
Mr Dawson said when Jett was pulled out of the car he had no idea his best mate had already died.
“He thought he was just unconscious,” Mr Dawson said.
“His mum told him in hospital. We tried to hold off but he just kept asking for his friend.”
Jett’s treatment is ongoing.
“He’s like another son,” Mr Dawson said.
BROC’S LEGACY
His parents said Broc left behind a legacy of living life the fullest, loving everyone and working hard.
“He’s very selfless too,” Mrs Dawson said.
“He’s always there for anybody. He would do anything for anybody at the drop of the hat.”
Broc’s four older brothers and sisters lived and worked in Ipswich and Brisbane.
“He was the youngest of five and Broc had a very close connection with his oldest brother,” Mrs Dawson said.
The hardworking larrikin got his private pilot’s licence in 2022, on his 15th birthday.
His parents said Broc saved up and paid for the entire course, all of his flights, and the licence while also juggling high school.
“He worked at Venice Pizza up at Caloundra. He pretty much ran the show,” his mother said.
“He had his RSA and was there pouring beers. He just loved it.
“He was a very hard worker.”
PARENTS’ PLEA
The Dawsons commended the emergency services involved especially the police and the forensic crash unit who helped them through such a tragic time.
They also acknowledged everyone who had left flowers for their son at the crash site and who had reached out to them offering their condolences.
“We cannot ever thank people enough,” Mrs Dawson said.
The mother said she wanted people to know her son was always a safe driver.
“This was not the case of a P-plater driving recklessly and stupidly,” she said.
“He was going through a green light, doing the speed limit, wasn’t drinking, no drugs in his system.
“You don’t drive around with no plates on your bike or even have an unregistered and uninsured bike if you don’t plan on doing the wrong thing.
“He doesn’t even live in the area.”
They hoped people would stay careful following the tragic crash.
“Don’t be in a hurry. Take your time and drive safely,” Mr Dawson said.
“For yourself and for others on the road.”
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