Pictured: 19-year-old who died in horror skateboarding accident that saw him fall off while ‘being towed in a vehicle driven by his 17-year-old brother’ just metres from their family home
- Couper Smith, 19, died after he fell from his skateboard while hanging onto a car
- It is believed his 17-year-old brother was driving the vehicle on Friday night
- The accident happened mere metres from their Tamborine home in Queensland
- Mr Smith was not wearing any protective gear at the time of the accident
A young man has died in a horror skateboarding accident mere metres from his family’s home after hitching a ride on the back of a car.
Couper Smith, 19, was killed after he lost control of his skateboard while hanging onto a vehicle that is believed to have been driven by his 17-year-old brother on Friday night on Ballantrae Road in Tamborine, Queensland.
The horror accident happened metres from the brothers’ home at 11pm and his distressed family were the first to rush to the scene.
Couper Smith, 19, (pictured left) has died after he fell off his skateboard while hanging onto a vehicle that is believed to have been driven by his 17-year-old brother in Tamborine, Queensland
Emergency services were called to the late-night incident where the 19-year-old suffered severe head injuries, but he passed away before they could transport him to hospital.
‘There were a number of bystanders and a number of his family members and it was wonderful they did everything they could to try and assist him on the scene,’ Queensland Ambulance Service senior operations supervisor Jayney Shearman told reporters on Saturday.
‘Incidents like these, they really do affect our officers. Our officers turn up, they work hard and they try to save lives, so situations like this are particularly difficult for them.’
The tragic accident happened mere metres from his family’s home on Ballantrae Road (pictured: image of Ballantrae Road)
Ms Shearman said Mr Smith did not have a helmet or protective clothing on at the time of the fall.
Police have said they do not believe alcohol or speed played a factor in the tragic accident and no charges have been laid.
‘This was a particularly sad and tragic event resulting in the loss of life and the Queensland Ambulance would just like to extend their thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of this young man,’ Ms Shearman said.
Ms Shearman said the accident serves as a reminder for people to think about the risks of participating in a dangerous activity.
It is believed that Mr Smith was not wearing any protective gear (Couper Smith pictured with his partner)
‘Riding skateboards at night is inherently very dangerous,’ she said.
‘Any time you consider being involved in behaviour like this, really assess the risks.’
A toy Hot Wheels car and flowers have been put at the scene of the tragic accident as the community comes to terms with the horrific news.
Flowers and a toy Hot Wheels car have been put by the scene of the tragic accident in memory of Mr Smith (Couper Smith pictured with his partner)