QLD teen’s friends grieve after tragic death at major Sunshine Coast road

Close friends of a teenager who died in a tragic incident at a major Sunshine Coast road have urged others to reach out for help. Warning: confronting content

Shattered close friends of a teen who died in a tragic incident at a Sunshine Coast road have urged others to check in on their loved ones and for those battling demons to reach out for help.

Friends of Maroochydore man Sorawit Nganprateepkul, 19, who died in an incident at a major Sunshine Coast road on February 16 spoke of the toll his sudden death had taken.

Miah Mckeiver, 18, said she was missing the former Buderim Mountain State School and Maroochydore State High School student “more and more” as each day passed.

She said close friend, who she considered a brother, was there for her “at my darkest times” even through his own struggles.

The popular Tik Tok content creator known to his loved ones as ‘JJ’ had more than 2300 followers and a large majority of his videos had amassed more than 30,000 views.

His final Tik Tok video, shared prior to the incident, was an emotional post depicting a view of clouds outside an aeroplane window, giving some hint as to the pain he was suffering.

Miah Mckeiver with 19-year-old Sorawit Nganprateepkul.

“I love him,” Ms Mckeiver said.

“We all did.”

The 18-year-old said that she wanted others to know that “it’s not weak to speak”.

Miah Mckeiver with 19-year-old Sorawit Nganprateepkul, better known as JJ.

“Just know that you’re not alone,” she said.

“Don’t hesitate to reach out.

“Please don’t forget to always check on your family and friends.”

Sorawit Nganprateepkul, 19, went to Buderim Mountain State School and Maroochydore State High School.

‘JJ’ moved in with one of his best friends, Kyal Moloney, and Mr Moloney’s family more than two years ago.

The pair met at high school and Mr Moloney said they became “family” fast.

“Even when he was down himself he never struggled to make other people happy or be there for them,” Mr Moloney said.

“He had so many friends but he cared about them all.”

Sorawit Nganprateepkul, better known as JJ, and one of his best friends who was more like family, Kyal Moloney.

The 19-year-old said his family and friends were “sticking together” throughout the tragedy.

“It just really hits me that a lot more people, especially males, need to talk to each other about stuff that is going on,” Mr Moloney said.

“Men are taught not to feel things as much, but it’s the boys that have been the most expressive (since JJ’s death).”

One of JJ’s best friends, 17-year-old Tayla Bennett, said he “was always there for everyone” even when he was struggling.

Ms Bennett said she kept expecting to see him eating spicy noodles or playing video games.

“We would have long talks about mental health, music and Bruce Wang,” she said.

Tayla Bennett and Sorawit Nganprateepkul, better known as JJ, joking with each other before his tragic death.

The teenager said JJ was “full of demons” and wanted “to do better” with his life.

“I’m waiting for him to walk back through the door and say he was joking but I know this time he’s not coming back and my heart breaks for JJ,” Ms Bennett said.

A memorial to the popular teenager has also appeared at the site of the tragic incident.

Cards, flowers and other items have been left near the scene of the incident.

Flowers, cards, photographs and a heartbreaking letter along with many other items lined the footpath nearby on February 20.

Sunshine Coast Police District Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the incident was being treated as non-suspicious and a report was being prepared for the coroner.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency please call triple-0.

Originally published as QLD teen’s friends grieve after tragic death at major Sunshine Coast road