THE Wynnum community is in mourning following the tragic death of 14-year-old Declan Phillips, who was fatally struck by a car while walking to school.
Emergency services were called to Berrima St just after 8.20am on July 16 following reports a Mitsubishi Pajero had hit a pedestrian.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, Declan died at the scene.
Police confirmed the vehicle was driven by a 17-year-old boy.
A 41-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy were also in the car at the time but were not physically injured.
Declan’s sudden death has rocked the Bayside community, with an outpouring of grief and support for his parents, Lily and Daniel, and younger brother Ryan.
A GoFundMe page launched to support the family has already raised more than $80,000.
In a message shared with the community, Declan’s family said the pain they were feeling was “unbearable” but they were grateful for the love and generosity shown.
“Thank you to the Wynnum community for all of your support and generosity,” the statement read
“Declan has been a part of the community his whole life.
“From community gardens and bushcare when he was younger, to Scouts, running with BSB and playing soccer at Bayside and Wolves, and his school community at Wynnum State School and Wynnum State High.
“Declan felt loved by all of these communities and continued to have lifelong bonds with the many people from them who cared for him.”
The family also thanked those who responded at the scene, saying it brought them comfort to know Declan was cared for.
“We have seen all the beautiful flowers at the roundabout where Declan passed,” the statement continued.
“We would like to have a permanent memorial for Declan placed at the tree at some time.”
The family expressed compassion for the teenage driver involved in the incident.
“We feel for the driver and his family, he is only a little older than Declan,” the statement said.
“Declan was looking forward to learning to drive too.
“What happened to you both could have happened to anyone.”
The family has also issued a heartfelt plea for urgent action to improve pedestrian safety at the site where the tragedy occurred.
Declan was crossing the road at a roundabout near the notorious “Duck Bridge” on Tingal Rd, adjacent to the Wynnum RSL, when he was struck.
“Lily and Daniel would like to petition the Government to fix that section of road to make it safer for future pedestrians,” a family friend said.
“If you have any connections or advocacy pathways, would you please use these to fight for change and let Declan’s life not be lost in vain.
“This would be the best gift we could give Declan and his family.”
A quiet achiever, Declan was known for his intelligence, kindness and thoughtfulness.
He had a wide range of interests, including maths, speed cubing, Lego engineering, woodwork and fitness.
A student at Wynnum State High School, he walked 8km each day to and from class.
Declan had recently made a timber-and-canvas camping stool as a birthday present for his mum and was excited about crafting a wooden racing car for his next project.
He hoped to become a tradie, move to the countryside, and restore old vehicles.
He had already started saving for his first car.
A close friend of the family described him as “sensible and courteous”, someone who always followed road rules, whether walking, riding or running.
“His chair which normally holds his school bag sits empty in the dining room,” the friend wrote.
“His hobbies, toys and iPad remain untouched.
“His room is quiet and still.
“All that can be heard in the house are quiet voices and deep sobbing.”
GoFundMe organiser Lisa Axam said Declan would be dearly missed.
“Declan was a quiet achiever at school and somewhat shy, but when he set his mind to do something, he went all in and excelled,” she said.
“He will be dearly missed by his friends and the whole Wynnum State High School community, as well as all his friends outside school, family and the wider Wynnum community.”
To donate or share the fundraiser, visit: gofundme.com/f/declan-phillips.
