Family give update on Queensland teenager after ‘Macca’s run’ goes horribly wrong

The family of a Queensland teenager — whose life changed during a ‘Macca’s run’ after a friend’s BBQ — has given an update on his condition.

The family of a teenage boy, who was left fighting for life after a horror crash during a McDonald’s west of Brisbane in August, have given a tragic update on his condition.

Paxton Zocaro-Retamal, who turns 18 in just a few days time, will spend Christmas and most of 2025 in hospital as he recovers from a severe and traumatic brain injury.

Speaking to the Courier Mail,Paxton was on a ‘Macca’s run’ after a friend’s BBQ, when he was launched out of the Toyota LandCruiser he was travelling in.

The vehicle, according to the teen’s family, hit a tree on a median strip in Goodna — about 35 minutes west of the CBD.

Paxton’s mum, Natalie Zocaro, told the publication that her “superhero” son had defeated the odds of not surviving the crash, and while having recently graduated Year 12 — he would not be home for Christmas.

Paxton Zocaro-Retamal was on a ‘Macca’s run’ with friends when the horror car accident happened. Photo: Supplied.

Paxton Zocaro-Retamal was not expected to survive a car crash at Goonda in August. Photo: Supplied.

Recalling the moment she received the call in August from Paxton’s dad about the horror car accident, Ms Zocaro said she was “hysterical”.

“A police officer saw me running towards the ambulance and asked me who I was, I said that I was Paxton’s mum, ‘Where’s my son? He said ‘you can’t see your son at the moment, we’re taking him to the hospital, get to the hospital’,” she said.

“Obviously being told I couldn’t see my son, I’ve collapsed … I was quite hysterical.

“CPR was being performed on (Paxton) as he was wheeled past (me) … all I was hearing was ‘brain injury’, hearing they didn’t know if he was going to wake up, didn’t know if he’d had a stroke,” she said.

The distraught mother was able to see her son about eight hours after he was admitted to hospital, recalling the moment she saw her son in an induced coma as “one of the most traumatising and traumatic things” she’d ever experienced.

After seeing her son, Ms Zocaro said Paxton — along with brain injury — had sustained a shattered tibia and fibula, his calf muscle had been ripped out, his pelvis shattered, several broken ribs and one side of his face shattered.

Paxton with his mum Natalie Zocarofrom hospital, where he will spend Christmas and part of 2025 following a horror accident. Picture: Steve Pohlner/Courier Mail

L to R, Meg Ingram, Physiotherapist, Paxton 17yrs, Natalie Zocaro (mum). Picture: Steve Pohlner/Courier Mail

Paxton, who was in the vehicle with four others, was the only one to receive life-threatening injuries in the horror crash.

According to the Courier Mail, who had a sit-down exclusive interview with Ms Zocaro, the driver and front seat passenger – both aged 17 – sustained minor injuries. While three other passengers – boys aged 16 or 17 – were also treated at the scene in August for minor injuries.

Paxton will remain at PA Hospital’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) over the festive season, before being relocated to PA Hospital’s Jasmine Unit at Wynnum West which offers extended inpatient rehabilitation.

“The last few months have been an emotional rollercoaster,” Ms Zocaro said.

“I don’t have tears anymore … this is our new norm and we are happy with that.

“The care that Paxton has received from the minute he came into this hospital has been world-class,” Ms Zocaro added.

“We can’t thank BIRU staff enough but the entire team that has looked after Paxton from start to now … it’s beautiful to see the home environment this place has.”

Paxton Zocaro-Retamal was not expected to survive a car crash at Goonda in August. Picture: Steve Pohlner/Courier Mail

At the time of the accident, Paxton’s family launched a GoFundMe for the “gentle boy” whose life had been turned upside down.

“Paxton is a 17-year-old young man who is just about to graduate Year 12 in a few short months,” the family said at the time.

“Paxton’s name means peace, gentle boy … that’s exactly who he is, a gentle boy with a peaceful nature.”

“He is a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a friend to many.

“Growing up Paxton was the quiet one … Paxton is one to chase his dreams and not let anything stop him from getting there – his first word was no and we are confident he is going to fight this battle to come home to us.”

It is understood no charges have been laid.