Bli Bli scooter crash: Dawlon’s family reveals Nambour funeral details

The grieving family of a 12-year-old boy who died following a horror crash on a busy Sunshine Coast road has paid tribute to him at the scene and revealed funeral details.

The heartbroken family of a 12-year-old boy who was killed when a ute hit him on a busy Sunshine Coast road has left tributes at the crash site and revealed his funeral details.

Dawlon Smith-Saunders died on September 17 in the Queensland Children’s Hospital after the incident in Bli Bli on Father’s Day, September 3.

An initial police investigation shows about 5.10pm, a Mazda ute was on David Low Way before it allegedly struck the 12-year-old boy, who had been riding a scooter.

It is understood two boys had stepped off their scooters and were walking across the pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights closest to the Maroochy River bridge, near the Bli Bli IGA, when Dawlon was hit.

Dawlon’s sister Letitia Smith said her family had visited the crash site to place a blue teddy bear and flowers as a tribute.

Dawlon Smith-Saunders was struck by a ute while riding his scooter in Bli Bli on Father's Day, September 3.

Ms Smith said the teddy was a replica of Dawlon’s favourite toy.

“The teddy bear he slept with every night is with him, it went with him,” she said.

The heartbroken family of 12-year-old Dawlon Smith-Saunders, who died after a horror scooter and ute crash on Father's Day, has placed items in tribute to him by the roadside on David Low Way in Bli Bli. Picture: Letea Cavander

“It’s the same type of teddy bear.”

Ms Smith said the family was “overwhelmed” by the support of the community.

“It’s obviously a lot but until reality kicks in … or at Christmas time because he always brought the joy,” she said.

Dawlon is survived by six siblings.

Ms Smith said their mum was grieving.

The family of 12-year-old Dawlon Smith-Saunders has left flowers and other items by the roadside on David Low Way in Bli Bli. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I think we’re still in shock and we’re all still questioning why him,” she said.

The 27-year-old Bli Bli ute driver was charged with drink-driving.

He will appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on October 30.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said no further charges had yet been laid and the investigation continued.

Ms Smith acknowledged the police officer investigating the crash and said he was “amazing”.

A memorial service for the boy will be held at Gregson and Weight in Nambour on October 12, at noon.

Mourners have been asked to wear red, black or Broncos smart casual clothing in memory of the child.

“Community members that wish to pay tribute to Dawlon at the service will have the opportunity to share their stories at the service,” Ms Smith said.

Originally published as Bli Bli scooter crash: Dawlon’s family reveals Nambour funeral details