Gold Coast teenager Beau Bradford farewelled after freak workplace accident
A Gold Coast teenager has been remembered as a “beautiful, kind young man” with a “spark that drew people in” in an emotional service after he died in a freak worksite accident.
A teenager who died in a freak workplace accident on the Gold Coast has been farewelled at an emotional service.
Beau Bradford had been working on a construction site at Surfers Paradise about 7am on December 1 when he was struck by a large object that had fallen from the boom of a concrete pump.
Paramedics rushed to the scene but the 15-year-old couldn’t be saved.
His life was celebrated at an emotional service at Southport’s Church of Christ on Friday morning.
Speaking on behalf of Beau’s family, funeral celebrant Wendy Withers said the teenager was a “beautiful, happy young man”.
“We gather here today with heavy hearts, hearts that are broken, carrying grief that no family or community should ever have to endure,” she said.
“(His) passing came so prematurely that I’m sure you are all having difficulty believing he is gone.
“He was a kid who could walk into any room instantly and brighten it up.
“He had the ability to make people laugh without even trying.
“He had that special mix of being loving, being kind and also being generous.”
Beau had a “bright future” and was completing his concreting apprenticeship, Ms Withers said.
“What truly lit him up was stepping into the world of work alongside his dad Cameron,” she said.
“Beau had found his place, it wasn’t just a job, it was something he loved, something he excelled at, something that made him proud.
“He lived with a big heart and spirit who touched so many lives, as we can see clearly here today.”
Even in death, Beau was generous as he became an organ donor, Ms Withers said.
A written tribute from Beau’s mother Amanda was read aloud by Ms Withers.
“Beau, my first love, my little boy … I have no words,” she said.
“I feel like a piece of me is missing.
“I won’t miss the phone calls from school everyday, telling me another thing you’d done wrong or another teacher that you’d pissed off.
“I’ll miss you telling me that the fruit is bruised or that there is nothing in the fridge but really you just wanted me to cook because you said every time it tastes better when I cook, even sandwiches.
“You made me so proud.
“I love you my boy.”
A 10-minute video compilation of tributes from Beau’s friends was played to mourners.
“There are not enough words to describe the mark you left on everyone,” one friend said.
“I love you bro, I’m so sorry this has happened to you. You were a good person, you were a good friend. This is heartbreaking,” another said.
His grandmother Yvette said he had the “kindest heart”.
“Fifteen years was way too short but in those years, you filled them with love, laughter and plenty of moments of pure joy,” she said.
“Your spark drew people in — you were so cheeky, funny and so full of life.”
A guard of honour was formed as Beau’s casket left the chapel and was taken to an awaiting hearse.
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Originally published as Gold Coast teenager Beau Bradford farewelled after freak workplace accident
