12-year-old boy dies tragically after being struck by drunk driver while riding his scooter
In an emotional Facebook post, Dawlon Smith-Saunders' older sister said he died 'surrounded by family' at Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA: A young boy died in hospital after being hit by a Mazda pick-up truck driven by an allegedly drunk driver. On September 3, Dawlon Smith-Saunders, 12, was riding his scooter along David Low Way in Bli Bli, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, when he was struck by the utility vehicle.
The young boy sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Queensland Children's Hospital. He died on Sunday afternoon, September 17, after being taken off life support on Friday, September 15, as reported by Daily Mail.
Driver charged with drunk driving
The vehicle's 27-year-old driver was charged with "low-range drink driving" — which means the driver drove the vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.05 but below 0.079.
The accused is expected to face additional charges. According to reports, Dawlon was riding his scooter with a friend when the incident occurred.
Dawlon Smith's brain injuries prompted family to turn off life support
Witnesses stayed with the boy until paramedics arrived. According to his family, Dawlon suffered a fractured skull, brain injuries, a broken collarbone, a broken arm, and a burst bladder.
In an emotional Facebook post, his older sister, Letitia Michelle Smith, said Dawlon died "surrounded by family" at Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane.
She wrote, "His progress scan in the first week showed he only had a small amount of damage to his outer brain where as Thursday's showed a significant change."
She added, "On Friday, mum had to make the difficult decision to turn off his life support. Dawlon being Dawlon had fought for two days [before he died]." Letiti stated that the loss had entirely devastated her family.
She told 7News, "Watching your little brother die right in front of your eyes is nothing I ever imagined would happen. We all thought he was on the road to recovery with all the positive signs he was showing." She added, "We're all hurting, but we're at ease knowing Dawlon's no longer in pain and suffering anymore."
Dawlon Smith's family started a GoFundMe page
To help Dawlon during his battle for life in the hospital, his sister started a GoFundMe page. Over the past two weeks, the campaign has raised over $18,000.
A second GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family with funeral expenses and legal fees.
The driver allegedly had a blood alcohol level of 0.069 before being charged with drunk driving.
On October 30, he will appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court. More charges are expected to be filed during that period.
