British tourist hit by ute one day after arriving in Australia

A grandfather has been killed just hours after touching down for a family holiday.

A British tourist has died in a freak accident on the Gold Coast just hours after arriving in Australia to visit family.

Family and friends have posted tributes to John Cunningham, who was struck by a ute outside Harbour Town shopping centre on Wednesday.

“ … my heart is broken, I’ve lost my best friend,” his wife Annmarie shared on Facebook.

The 57-year-old has been remembered as a ‘gentleman’. Picture: Annmarie Cunningham

His daughter said he was “the best dad”.

“My heart is completely ripped out; he was the best father I could ever wish for and my friend. He was the best grandfather to all his grandchildren and a fantastic husband to my mother. We all love you so much that I can’t even put into words; I know that you know we love you,” she wrote.

His daughter said he was ‘the best dad’. Picture: Annmarie Cunningham

It is believed the 57-year-old may have stepped out from behind a bus on Oxley Dr before he was struck by a Holden Colorado dual cab ute.

The driver of the ute, a 19-year-old man, stopped and rendered immediate assistance to the man, according to police.

It is believed the 57-year-old may have stepped out from behind a bus on Oxley Dr before he was struck by a Holden Colorado dual cab ute. Picture: Annmarie Cunningham.

Just a day before the tragic accident, Mr Cunningham‘s daughter shared a video of him and his wife surprising their grandchildren.

“Do you want your main present?” she can be heard asking, before the pair walks up the stairs and surprises the children.

Just a day before the tragic accident, Mr Cunningham’s daughter shared a video of him and his wife surprising their grandchildren. Picture: Annmarie Cunningham.

“I told you a delivery was coming, did you miss me?” he asks the kids while hugging them.

An outpouring of grief for Mr Cunningham has followed.

“He was the best father and an even better granddad, he done (sic) everything for his family and you should be proud of him,” a friend said.

Mr Cunningham was described as a “gentleman” and there has been no shortage of prayers offered for him.

Originally published as British tourist hit by ute one day after arriving in Australia