Alexander Vadeikis: Alleged street racer’s charges upgraded after death of Kyle Bermudo, 21

A young Gold Coast motorist who was allegedly engaged in a street race when the other vehicle allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian has faced court after his charge was upgraded.

Alexander James Vadeikis leaving Southport Magistrates Court on June 12, 2025. Picture: Alex Treacy

A young Gold Coast motorist who was allegedly engaged in a street race when the other vehicle allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian has faced court after his charge was upgraded.

Benowa man Alexander James Vadeikis, 21, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday for a first mention of the new charges.

He is charged with two offences: dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while taking part in an unlawful race or unlawful speed trial, a criminal offence that carries a maximum 20 years’ imprisonment, and operate or interfere with the operation of a vehicle dangerously in any public place while excessively speeding or taking part in an unlawful race or unlawful speed trial.

Floral tributes at the crash scene. Picture: Keith Woods.

Police allege Mr Vadeikis was engaged in an unlawful street race with Arundel man David Saji Mathew, 22, on the night of March 22 last year when Mr Mathew struck and killed 21-year-old student Daimler Kyle Bermudo, 21, while he was crossing the road at Smith St, Southport, near the intersection of Village Blvd.

Daimler Kyle Bermudo, 21. Picture: Supplied

No pleas have been entered.

Defence lawyer Alex Somers told the court he had received a “partial” brief of evidence, and requested the charges be adjourned.

They will return to the court on July 24.

The court heard the dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death charge must be dealt with in a higher court, in this instance the Southport District Court.

Mr Vadeikis’ co-defendant, Mr Mathew, has already had his charge of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while excessively speeding committed to the higher court, although an indictment is yet to be presented.

Emergency services tape at the scene of the crash. Picture: Keith Woods.

Mr Mathew has also not entered a plea.

Mr Vadeikis, a graduate of Arundel’s prestigious A.B. Paterson College, was originally facing a charge of dangerous operation of a vehicle, to which he was set to plead guilty earlier this month.

However, police prosecutor Rodney Keyte offered no evidence to the charge, in order for Mr Vadeikis to be hit with the more serious charges.

Last week, Mr Bermudo’s parents, Jasmine and Raymond, told this masthead in a sit-down interview their son, an aspiring nurse who was just months from graduating Griffith University, was a selfless man devoted to community service and his friends and family.