Family’s tribute to grandfather Gary Cleland who died in hospital after a crash at Birkdale

The family of a 79-year-old man who was critically injured in a crash on Brisbane’s bayside on Monday have spoken of the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support days after the crash.

Gary Cleland died on January 23 after he suffered critical injuries in an accident at Birkdale. Picture: Supplied

The family of a 79-year-old man, who was critically injured in a crash on Brisbane’s bayside on Monday, have spoken of the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support days after the crash.

The beloved grandad — Gary Cleland — was travelling on a mobility scooter when he was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Old Cleveland Rd and Buckingham St at Birkdale about 11.30am on January 20.

The driver of the Audi Q5, a 34-year-old Birkdale man, was not physically injured.

However, Mr Cleland was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition, where he died on January 23.

Mr Cleland’s daughter Samantha Beckmann has since paid tribute to the 79-year-old on social media, a man she described as her “everything”.

“My heart is broken … yesterday we said goodbye to dad,” Ms Beckmann wrote.

“He was my everything.

“These words will in no way describe the wonderful man he was.

“Dad was fiercely independent, proud and bloody stubborn but would do anything and be there for everyone. He had his views and strong beliefs but (was) still tolerant of others.”

Gary Cleland had six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Picture: Supplied

Ms Beckmann wrote that her dad was “adored and cherished” by everyone including his six grandkids and six great grandkids.

“Dad and I would speak every couple of days. He was my friend, my confidante, my sounding board.

“He has led a colourful and interesting life. He loved fishing, camping. He played pool and was a champion at table tennis. He would teach us to play but never let us win. I finally won a game of pool against him on Sunday. Feels like a hollow victory now.”

“The main thing I’m holding onto is that he is now with mum. The love of his life. It’s been nearly 10 years and I reckon they are up there dancing on the clouds.

“He shouldn’t have gone the way he did. Dad was crossing the road on his mobility scooter and was hit by a car. His injuries were too severe to survive.”

“To the wonderful people who stopped and called emergency services, to the members of our community that brought towels and shade and kept his modesty, from the bottom of my heart I thank you. Your kindness and care has meant the world to my family.

“From when (my brother) Trent and I were young, dad drummed it into us, that if he couldn’t look after himself, he didn’t want to be here. He was that adamant, his grandchildren and extended family all knew his wishes. That was the only comfort when we turned off his life support. We knew we were doing what he wanted. But it’s so so hard.

“Oh dad, I’m so broken right now … I already miss you so much … I love you dad xxx.”

Mr Cleland’s granddaughter Riley Beckmann also penned an emotional tribute to the 79-year-old on social media.

“Yesterday we said goodbye to my grandad, the most selfless, funny, kind, stubborn & fiercely independent man,” she wrote.

“Grandad was involved in a freak accident and hit by a vehicle while on his mobility scooter. After the fight of his life, his injuries were too severe & he passed away.

“Grandad, you were my best friend. You were there for my first steps, my primary school graduation, my high school graduation, my first job & all the milestones these last 24 years. You were there for all the highs, and right with me through all the lows. You’ve been the first person I call when I have good news & bad news. I will forever cherish everything that you’ve done for me & all the secrets you’ve kept. I’m going to miss our weekly phone calls. I miss you so much already, but you’re up there with Nan now. I love you mate, take care “.

Anyone with dashcam or CCTV in the vicinity of the crash is urged to contact police.

The Forensic Crash Unit is appealing for witnesses to come forward as investigations remain ongoing.

Originally published as Family’s tribute to grandfather Gary Cleland who died in hospital after a crash at Birkdale