Mackay dad Nick Evangelista dies in horror crash at Hay Point Rd, Alligator Creek

Tributes are pouring in for a Queensland dad, described as “one of the nicest people you could meet” after he was tragically killed when another driver lost control while speeding dangerously. SEE THE VIDEO

Tributes are pouring in for Ooralea father Nick Evangelista who was tragically killed when another driver lost control while speeding dangerously south of Mackay.

The 58 year old died in a horrific crash on Hay Point Rd, Alligator Creek, about 5.00pm January 7, with the surviving driver of a black Holden ute testing positive to a roadside breath test.

Police claim the Holden travelled onto the opposite side of the road before hitting a silver Kia which Mr Evangelista had been driving westbound.

Dashcam footage captured the ute dangerously swerving between traffic including over double white lines before the crash occurred.

Mr Evangelista, who was initially trapped in the vehicle, suffered critical injuries and tragically died at the scene – Mackay district’s first fatal crash for 2025.

Ooralea father Nick Evangelista was tragically killed in a horror crash on Hay Point Rd, Alligator Creek on January 7, 2025.

He was described by those who knew him as “one of the nicest people you could meet”.

A GoFundMe for Mr Evangelista has already raised $18,948 in 17 hours, from 235 donations – which is 95 per cent of its $20,000 target.

Organiser Edgar Fontelera said in the fundraiser the money was to help Mr Evangelista’s family get through this difficult time.

He wrote all Mr Evangelista’s children were still in the Philippines and this would help to bring his children to Australia “to see their father for the last time”.

A black ute was captured allegedly speeding and dangerously overtaking over vehicles before causing a fatal crash on Hay Point Rd, Alligator Creek, that claimed the life of Ooralea father Nick Evangelista. Image: 7News Mackay

“Sometimes bad luck hits you, and it’s not your own making,” Mr Fontelera wrote.

Police said Mr Evangelista had been heading home from work. It is understood the horror crash was witnessed by one of his workmates who had been travelling several cars back.

The driver of the ute, a 35-year-old Hay Point man sustained minor injuries — first reported as back pain — and was transported to Mackay Base Hospital.

Mr Evangelista, 53, had been driving home from work in his silver Kia. Image: 7News Mackay

Acting Inspector Jeremy Novosel said the ute driver remained on scene to speak to police.

“He submitted to a RBT which gave a positive indication he may be affected by alcohol.”

The Acting Inspector said police were called about a black Holden ute being driven dangerously on the Bruce Highway and Hay Point Rd before the crash took place.

“We again appeal to the public that if anyone has witnessed such behaviours or has CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police.”

The black ute allegedly lost control when the crash occurred. Image: 7News Mackay

Police are now waiting on the results of a blood sample taken in hospital, which will also test for the presence of illicit drugs.

Mr Novosel said he has assisted with investigations, and no charges have been laid.

A third vehicle travelling behind the Kia was struck by debris caused from the crash, the driver escaping uninjured.

Last year, the Mackay-Whitsunday region mourned 24 lives lost from 18 serious crashes.

That included two triple fatalities, one which took the lives of a pregnant woman in Proserpine, and a triple-fatal from a bus crash in Gumlu.

The Hay Point incident was not the only serious crash in Queensland on Tuesday night.
A man was rushed to hospital following a serious crash north of Brisbane.

The crash between a vehicle and a motorcycle happened on the Anzac Ave exit to North Lakes Drive, Mango Hill, at 7.10pm.

It is understood the rider was ejected from the bike.

A man with chest and shoulder injuries was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a serious condition.

Both turning lanes westbound from Anzac Ave turning into North Lakes Drive were closed as a result of the crash.

Originally published as Mackay dad Nick Evangelista dies in horror crash at Hay Point Rd, Alligator Creek