Charges laid against driver allegedly involved in fatal crash which killed Nathan Weckert

Police have charged a young man over the death of a popular Sunshine Coast teen Nathan Weckert who was killed after being hit by a car on the Bruce Highway.

A man has been charged following a crash on the Bruce Highway at Palmview last year which claimed the life of a beloved 17-year-old rising Sunshine Coast football star.

Nathan Weckert, 17, had been travelling northbound along the Bruce Highway when he pulled over after his car had hit a guardrail about 8.10pm on August 30 last year.

A statement from police said Nathan had exited his car and waited for assistance in the emergency stopping lane when another car, also heading northbound, struck the boy a short time later.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the second vehicle was transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Nathan Weckert has been remembered by his loved ones as a "happy go lucky" kid who lived life to the fullest.

Forensic Crash Unit investigators have since charged the alleged driver of the second vehicle, a 22-year-old Parkwood man, on one count each driving while relevant drug is present in blood or saliva and keeping to the left on a multi-lane road.

He is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on February 28.

Nathan’s death has left a giant hole in the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane footballing communities and the boy’s many different social circles.

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

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

His loved ones have described him as the “life of the party”, “flat out funny”, a boy who did everything at the fullest and who had a rare energy.

“He just loved his life. He loved his family, his football, his friends. He asked for nothing but gave everything, right literally until the last minute,” Mrs Dodson said.

“He was an extremely fun child. Never angry. And there was nothing he couldn’t do.”

Nathan had made his debut for the Noosa Lions senior men’s at 15 and played in the FFA game against former Brisbane Roar legend Henrique.

Nathan Weckert celebrates his goal late in the second half during a Sunshine Coast Soccer Junior grandfinal between Noosa (blue) and Caloundra. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

He played for Brisbane Olympic’s under-23s, and at 16, was the youngest member of the entire senior squad.

Well known Sunshine Coast identity Rui Spinola had coached and mentored Nathan through his ATFA Football program from under-8s and described him as a “cheeky but respectful” person who had a huge future in the game.

Mr Spinola said that Nathan was playing upfront at the age of 16 in Noosa’s first team, a testament to his ability.

“Nathan was a damn fine footballer, played for Noosa, rep football for the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“The football community is tight-knit and he comes from a wonderful family. This is going to affect a lot of people.”

The community had rallied around Nathan’s family following his death, raising thousands towards his funeral.

Originally published as Charges laid against driver allegedly involved in fatal crash which killed Nathan Weckert