Gold Coast man killed after being hit by car 'while wrestling mate on road'
A Gold Coast man has been killed and another hospitalised after the pair of mates were hit by a motorist while reportedly wrestling on a road.
On Sunday night police were called to Elanora following reports two men had been run over by a vehicle.
Luke Hansen, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene while another 25-year-old man was transported to the Gold Coast University Hospital with serious injuries.
It’s understood that the two men got involved in a tussle and were lying on the roadway at the time of the incident, paramedics said.
Speaking to the ABC, Mr Hansen’s father, Glen Hansen, said the tragedy was the result of “stupidity”.
"Kids these days they argue over anything, wrestle over anything … it just turned out the wrong way," he said.
The two men had been close friends since school and had been fishing at the beach earlier in the day, ABC reported.
The male driver, 33, was not physically injured in the accident and has not been charged with a driving offence.
In a teary interview with Channel 7 on Monday, Mr Hansen’s grieving parents described their son as “playful” and “always wrestling”.
But this time the lighthearted grappling turned deadly.
“They’ve been dragged like a dog under the car,” Mr Hansen said.
Friend Tayla Argus said the news had left the community devastated.
“This is just one of the worst days of my life really,” she told 7 News. “He knew everyone in Palm Beach, everyone knew him as Chippa.”
Tributes from friends have appeared on Mr Hansen’s Facebook page following his sudden death overnight.
"Have had a few too many tragedies hit too close to home the last few weeks," one Facebook friend said. “I’ll be cuddling my family and friends today with you in our thoughts Luke. Huge love to everybody feeling it."
"I still can't believe this has happened to you! I remember just seeing you the other night and how happy you were!” posted another.
His friend was taken to hospital in a critical condition with injuries to his head and pelvis.
Investigations are continuing and police have asked members of the public with information about the incident to contact them.
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