Seth Deen and parents speak after alleged drunken collision in Buderim

A Sunshine Coast man and his parents have recalled the moment an alleged drink driver ploughed into their son’s car while he was driving a friend home from chess practice.

A young Buderim man and his parents have relived the traumatic night when the 21-year-old and his mate were allegedly ploughed into by a drink driver while heading home from chess practice.

Seth Deen, 21, and his friend Sophia Oliver, 20, were driving home from chess club along King St in Buderim about 9.20pm on August 9, 2022 when another car collided with theirs.

Police allege a 61-year-old man driving the other vehicle returned a blood alcohol concentration of 0.195 per cent roadside.

Mr Dean and Ms Oliver were able to be freed from the crumpled wreck of their car but are now dealing with lasting physical injuries and ongoing mental trauma.

Mr Deen and his parents Sayed and Kay recalled the moment their son called them after the crash, a month on from the traumatic night.

Seth Deen and Sophia Oliver were driving home from chess practice when they were allegedly hit by a drink driver. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“It’s not the sort of call you want to hear from your son,” Sayed said.

“Seth told us he was in an accident, and I guess it was better to hear it from him rather than the police or a hospital.”

His parents dashed to the scene to find their son’s car totalled, with debris strewn across the road while he and his friend Ms Oliver were in the hands of paramedics.

The 21-year-old was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for minor injuries but the incident has caused complications with an ongoing back injury.

Seth’s car after the alleged car crash in Buderim on August 9, 2022. Picture: Contributed

Mr Deen said he hasn’t been on the road since the crash.

“I don’t really trust anyone on the road since the accident,” he said.

Mr Deen can only return to his work as an apprentice chef on light duties with his parents having to drive him to his shifts.

The aftermath of the crash. Picture: Contributed

His mother Kay said her son could’ve received potentially life-threatening injuries from the serious crash.

“Just seeing the kids like this and how they’re very impacted, it’s been very traumatic for them and for us,” she said.

“We’re concerned for their wellbeing and their future on the roads.

“I’ve been teary almost everyday because we’re blessed that they’re alive … we could’ve been planning a funeral for our son.

“Some parents aren’t that blessed, with their children being traumatised and having horrific injuries for life.”

Sayed, Seth and Kay Deen of Buderim. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Shine Lawyers’ Carla Melbourne is handling their civil claim against the alleged driver of the other vehicle, where they’ll be seeking compensation to cover their costs for injuries.

Ms Melbourne said the purpose of the claim was to receive funds for physiotherapy and psychological treatment to rehabilitate the pair to their conditions prior to the crash.

The solicitor said Ms Oliver still suffers from shoulder and back pain after the crash and had difficulties driving to get her Learner’s hours up due to the trauma.

“It’s a story of two young kids ... having a seemingly normal night after chess practice and their lives haven’t been the same since,” Ms Melbourne said.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said the 61-year-old man was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle while adversely affected and drink driving and was due to reappear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on October 19, 2022.

Originally published as Seth Deen and parents speak after alleged drunken collision in Buderim