Tributes flow for Joc Thompson, 15, who died after allegedly falling off a ute at Bundall

Devastated family and friends have been paying tribute to 15-year-old Joc Thompson, who died after allegedly falling off a ute.

15-year-old Joc Thompson died after allegedly falling off the back of a ute in Bundall this morning.

TRIBUTES have been flowing for the teenage boy who died after allegedly falling off the back of a ute in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Family and friends are “devastated” and “heartbroken” after 15-year-old Joc Thompson died at Gold Coast University Hospital this morning.

Mr Thompson played a big part of the Gold Coast sporting community, having been a part of the Mudgeeraba Redbacks Rugby League Club and Gold Coast Celtics Basketball Club, and attended school at Merrimac State High School.

15-year-old Joc Thompson.

Joc Thompson.

GOLD COAST TEENAGER DEAD AFTER ALLEGEDLY FALLING OFF BACK OF UTE IN BUNDALL

The Mudgeeraba Redbacks shared a post on Facebook paying tribute to Mr Thompson, who played with the Under 15s.

“Hearts are heavy today hearing the news about you Joc,” the post reads.

“We are sending so much love to your family and close friends during this tough time.

“If anyone in the club is needing any assistance, please make contact with us at any time.”

Another person who knows Mr Thompson wrote on Facebook: “It takes a split second for things to go horribly wrong.

“We are left with nothing but heartache.

“My condolences to your parents and sister. I hope they are surrounded by love at this time. RIP young man.”

A friend of Mr Thompson’s said: “You were the sweetest boy. You always had a smile on your face and always made my day so much better.”

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A tribute post to Joc.

A tribute post to Joc.

Another wrote: “I’m so shocked. I have no words. Rest in peace. You were so kind and I’m going to miss seeing you around. My heart goes out to you.”

Emergency services were called to Larne Avenue in Bundall about 1am yesterday and located Mr Thompson, who was found with a “significant head injury”.

He was transported in a critical condition to Gold Coast University Hospital where he later died.

Police have charged a 16-year-old Bundall boy who is alleged to have been driving the ute when the 15-year-old fell from its back tray and hit his head on the road.

The Bundall boy was initially charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm and unlicensed driving.

These charges are now expected to be upgraded at the boy’s court appearance.

Investigations continue.