A school has gone into mourning after one of its own was killed by an L-Plate driver.
Declan Phillips, 14, was walking to Wynnum State High School, in Brisbane’s east, when he was struck by a Mitsubishi Pajero on Tingal Road and Berrima Street at 8.20am on Wednesday.
The driver of the car, a 17-year-old, and his two passengers were not injured in the accident.
Students from the school visited the crash site on the afternoon of the accident, and many were seen consoling each other as they laid flowers for the Year 9 student.
Declan was gifted at math and had a passion for solving problems.
One of his favourite puzzles was the Rubik’s cube, which he was able to solve in under 45 seconds. He routinely competed in Speedcubing Australia which was hosted by the World Cube Association.
A GoFundMe has since been launched to help his grieving family following his untimely death.
Queensland Police also said they are investigating the crash.
Declan Phillips, 14, died after being struck by a 4WD on his way to school on Wednesday
Declan was only 1km from his school when he was hit by an L-Plater in Brisbane
Wynnum State High School sent out a notice alerting staff and students as to what happened and advising counselling services were available.
Family friend Lisa Axem wrote that he had a promising future in an array of areas.
‘His younger brother and parents are still in deep shock, disbelief and grief,’ she said.
‘His chair which normally holds his school bag sits empty in the dining room. His hobbies, toys and iPad remain untouched. His room is quiet and still.
‘All that can be heard in the family home are quiet voices and deep sobbing.’
Friends and classmates also spoke of the impact Declan had on them.
‘I will always remember when we were little and we would play together. You had such a bright future, and you were so loved, I miss you already,’ one friend wrote.
‘It’s going to feel so strange knowing you are not going to walk past there ever again,’ another wrote.
‘I know you are resting easy and God is taking care of you up there, you were the quietest but sweetest kid.’
Declan was a gifted math student with a penchant for solving problems
The 17-year-old L-Plater was uninjured in the accident
Wynnum State High School principal, Sandra Quinn, said Declan was regarded highly in a letter which was sent out to parents.
‘He was a much-loved year nine male student and valued member of our Wynnum State High School community,’ the letter said, reported the Courier Mail.
‘I know that you will join me in offering our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
‘As a tight-knit school community, we share our shock and sadness at the enormity of this situation.’
The 4WD which hit Declan was seen wedged underneath the Wynnum Rail Bridge, also known as Duck Bridge, which is infamous due to its mere 1.9m clearance.
Due to its limited height most emergency vehicles to struggle to fit underneath.
Member for Lytton Joan Pease MP said the incident had rocked the Wynnum community.
‘It’s heartbreaking for all those involved, the young person that sadly lost their life and also the driver of the vehicle,’ she told the publication.
Declan was hit roughly one kilometre away from his school.
