Luke Bullivant remembered as loveable larrikin after tragic Smith St crash

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a 28-year-old who lost his life in a motorcycle accident on the Gold Coast on Tuesday, with family and friends remembering a fun-loving and caring young man.

Justin Howell at Smith St in Southport where his nephew Luke Bullivant tragically lost his life in a motorbike accident.

A man who died in a motorcycle accident on Smith St in Southport is being remembered as a loveable larrikin who lived life to its fullest.

Luke Bullivant was killed when his bike collided with a guard rail at the intersection with Parklands Drive at about 5.15pm on Tuesday. Police said the Forensic Crash Unit was investigating the cause of the incident.

Luke Bullivant was much-loved by family and friends.

The 28-year-old, who was originally from Sydney, lived at the home of aunt and uncle Justin and Gabrielle Howell in Labrador and was a popular team member at Ideal Earthmoving in Stapylton, where he became “like family” to owners Christine and Wayne Shead and their children.

Mr Howell said family and friends were in deep shock after the tragic accident.

“We all moved up from Sydney. We moved up ten years ago and he followed not long after. He’s been with us ever since,” Mr Howell said.

“He was a larrikin. He lived life to the fullest and was well loved by a lot of people. He has friends here and family who are deeply shocked.”

Mr Howell said his nephew, whose birthday was in two weeks, had been on his way to visit a friend for dinner when the crash happened. He said he had a bad feeling when he heard there had been an accident on Smith St and learned that Luke had not arrived at his destination.

Luke Bullivant died in a motorbike accident on Smith St in Southport on April 23, 2024. Luke with his uncle Justin Howell and cousin Joel.

Mr Howell’s son Joel said his cousin’s seemingly tough appearance belied a warm personality who had a big impact on all who knew him.

“He had a lot of very gnarly tattoos. He had a tough exterior. But he was a big teddy bear,” he said.

Ms Shead told the Bulletin she was heartbroken by the death of someone who had become like a son to her.

“He was happy, funny, he knew when to joke, he knew when to be serious,” she said.

“I’ve got four kids, they’re younger than him.

“He had a special bond with each one of them.”

The scene of the tragic accident at Smith St in Southport. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.

Ms Shead said the 28-year-old regularly visited her home. Tragically, he normally came for dinner on Tuesday night, but on the day he died had made other plans.

“We always said he was the older brother and my kids would say, ‘mum, you’re not meant to have favourites, why is Luke the favourite son.

“We absolutely doted on him.

“He came every Tuesday, unless he couldn’t or he just needed some time to himself.”

Luke Bullivant is being remembered as a caring young man who loved a joke.

Ms Shead said Mr Bullivant had a “high work ethic” but loved a joke and a laugh, and was always one to offer comfort to others when needed.

“He was really caring. He’d ring and check up and me. And all the kids. I don’t think there was a day they didn’t speak to him,” she said.

“Like I said, they said he was the favourite son. If Luke wanted steak for tea we’d make the steak.

“He was a huge part of mine and the kids’ life. He’s going to be terribly missed.

“He is going to leave a big, big hole for us in every aspect of our life now.”

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