Brisbane community mourns 14-year-old Declan Phillips after deadly Wynnum crash

7NEWS

18-07-2025

The family of a 14-year-old boy who was killed while walking to school in Brisbane's bayside this week say they are 'shattered beyond words' as tributes continue to pour in for the 'quiet, kind-hearted' teen.
Declan Philips, a Year 9 student at Wynnum State High School, was fatally struck by a car just one kilometre from the school.
Emergency services rushed to the roundabout intersection of Tingal Rd and Berrima St in Wynnum at about 8.20am on July 16 after reports a Mitsubishi Pajero with learner plates had struck a pedestrian.
He was treated for critical injuries by paramedics, but died at the scene.
The 17-year-old boy behind the wheel of the car and his two passengers, a 41-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy, were not physically injured in the incident.
Declan took the same four-kilometre route to and from school each day.
'He was cautious and sensible,' family friend Lisa Axam said.
Axam set up a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses.
'He always followed road rules whether walking, cycling, or running.'
Axam said Declan had big plans.
'He had such a promising, bright future. Declan was skilled and talented in a wide array of areas — from speed cubing, running and maths through to woodwork and engineering.
'He wanted to become a tradie, live in the countryside and do up cars.
'He'd already started saving for his first car.'
A recent project he was especially proud of was a camping stool made in woodwork class embroidered with a blue car in honour of his mum's favourite colour.
It was meant to be a birthday gift. Now, it sits quietly on the family sofa, where Declan used to rest after school.
'His hobbies, toys, and iPad remain untouched,' Axam said.
'His room is still. All that can be heard in the family home are quiet voices and deep sobbing.'
Declan's parents, Lily and Daniel, and his younger brother Ryan, are surrounded by a community's support, but the grief remains overwhelming.
'He was so proud of his achievements, and his family and friends were proud of him,' Axam said.
'Rocked our little community'
Locals have shared their heartbreak and solidarity, describing the tragedy as one that has shaken the entire bayside suburb.
'The flowers are building up on the median strip and under the tree. It has rocked our little community,' local resident Christine Thomson wrote on social media.
Another community member wrote, 'So many families and friends [are] broken right now. Hug your own a little closer tonight.'
Jeanette Jensen added, 'So many affected by this. Special hugs and prayers to his immediate family especially.'
Another commenter, Emma Parkinson, shared, 'We laid sunflowers for him today. We are so sorry for your loss. We all show love.'
At Wynnum State High, Declan was remembered as a quiet but determined student.
His favourite subjects were HPE and woodwork. Teachers said he gave everything his full focus and never sought praise, even when his work stood out.
The Wynnum State School Parents & Citizens' Association shared a heartfelt statement.
'Declan and his family have long been part of our school community, and our hearts are with them during this unimaginable time.'
They described the incident as 'a heartbreaking loss' that had 'deeply impacted our entire community'.
Declan was known for his many talents and passions.
He was 'passionate about camping, collecting model cars, and committed to his fitness goals'.
Tributes have also poured in from the local football community, including Wynnum Wolves FC, where Declan played and his younger brother Ryan still plays.
Club President Rabieh Krayem urged members to support the Phillips family, saying the Wolves are known for coming together in times of tragedy.
This weekend, games at Carmichael Park will honour Declan with black armbands, moments of silence, and donation points.
In an emotional update on the fundraiser, Axam said Declan's mother, Lily, was touched by the support but heartbroken.
'She said she just wished that Declan could have known so many people care for him — that he has so many friends out there,' she wrote.
'Accident waiting to happen'
The family is now hoping to channel their grief into change.
They plan to call for urgent upgrades to the intersection where the crash occurred, describing it as unsafe for pedestrians.
'Let Declan's life not be lost in vain. This would be the best gift we could give Declan and his family,' Axam wrote in the name of the family.
She said it was 'it was an accident waiting to happen.'
'I know it sounds awful, but I just wonder if it was an accident waiting to happen and it will likely happen again,' Axem told 7news.com.au.
Push for better signage
She said what happened on Wednesday was not just tragic, it was preventable.
'Many 4WDs and other high vehicles get caught under that bridge regularly.
'There is such a short distance between the roundabout and the rail overpass, so I've seen in the past many drivers do dangerous, last-minute manoeuvres or U-turns to avoid it.'
She is pushing for better signage or new road rules — like banning high vehicles from turning near the roundabout — to help save lives.
'It would be great to see the media push the government to look at increasing safety and signage, perhaps something as simple as 'no turn for vehicles higher than 1.9m' before the roundabout.'
She said it was difficult to understand how this could happen to Declan.
'It's hard to believe it happened to Declan ... he always followed rules and stayed safe.
'He was on the pedestrian refuge! He was seeking refuge as a pedestrian and still got hit.
'It should not have happened. And I fear it won't be the last time if the government doesn't make changes.'
Family shows compassion for L-plater
There has also been an outpouring of compassion for the 17-year-old learner driver involved.
Community members expressed sympathy for the teen and his family, acknowledging he too will carry the trauma.
'A very sad situation,' one comment read.
'His life has also changed forever.'
Another one read: 'I also hope the young learner driver is doing ok too along with his mum and sister who have witnessed this horrific accident. Bloody heartbreaking.'
Declan's family also expressed their sympathy for the young driver involved.
'We feel for the driver and his family, he is only a little older than Declan.
'Declan was looking forward to learning to drive too.
'What happened to you both could have happened to anyone.'
More than $50,000 has already been raised to help cover funeral costs.
The family is also inviting letters, stories, or memories of Declan from friends, classmates, teachers, or anyone moved by his story.
'This is a family who have given so much to the community,' Axam said.
'Now it's our turn to wrap them in love.'