A talented teenage surfer has died after being struck by a car on a busy highway in Queensland.
Taika Cleland-Pottie, 17, was on the Cunningham Highway at Clumber, 86km southwest of Brisbane, when a white Toyota Yaris hit him at 6.20pm on Friday.
Kirra Surfriders, the club where surfing legends Mick Fanning, Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, Peter ‘PT’ Townend and the late Michael Peterson began their competitive journeys, paid tribute to the Broadbeach teenager.
‘Taika was a dedicated young member of our club, a fast improving surfer and someone who was always willing to make himself available and contribute,’ the club said on Instagram.
‘Above all, he was an incredibly respectful and kind young person who was a pleasure to have around the club.
‘Our thoughts are with Taika’s family, friends and everyone who knew him during this incredibly difficult time.
‘For our younger members in particular, please stick close to your mates, check in on each other and know that the Kirra community is here to support you.’
The club is set to farewell Taika with a traditional mass paddle-out.
Taika Cleland-Pottie (L), 17, was on the Cunningham Highway at Clumber, 101km southeast of Brisbane, when a white Toyota Yaris hit him at about 6.20pm on Friday
His mother, Lina Marsh, announced the news in an emotional Facebook post.
‘It is with the heaviest hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful golden boy, brother, son, grandson, cousin, best friend, neff (nephew) Taika Lloyd Maihi Cleland-Pottie,’ she said.
‘On Friday evening, we received news that Taika had passed away in a fatal car incident.
‘We are currently wrapped around so much love and support as we navigate the hardship of our loss.
‘We will send our golden boy off in his new home, the Gold Coast.’
Taika’s aunt, Isla Amin, launched a GoFundMe to help bring his loved ones together for his farewell.
‘Our pain is immeasurable but we are doing our best to support each other through this unbearable time,’ she wrote.
‘Some of our wider whanau (family) have expressed a wish to contribute towards giving Taika the send-off he deserves.
His mother, Lina Marsh, announced the news in an emotional Facebook post
‘For us, that means bringing his closest family members to Australia.’
Over $33,000 has been raised.
The driver of the Yaris, a woman aged 48, was uninjured.
Police investigations are ongoing.
