A football club is in mourning after the death of teenager Declan Phillips this week in Brisbane’s east.
The 14-year-old was walking to Wynnum State High School when he was struck by a Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD 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.
Following the development, heartbroken members of the Wynnum Wolves Football Club urged fellow players and supporters to ‘open their arms and hearts for the Phillips family.’
‘A junior player at our club in 2023 and 2024, Declan loved his time playing football at Wolves, and his younger brother Ryan is a current member of the club’s U10 Thor MiniRoos team,’ a Facebook post read.
‘On behalf of all Wynnum Wolves Football Club members, we are sending our sincere condolences to the Phillips family.
A football club is in mourning after the death of teenager Declan Phillips (pictured) this week in Brisbane
In a lengthy Facebook post, members of the Wynnum Wolves Football Club urged fellow players and supporters to ‘open their arms and hearts for the Phillips family’ following the tragedy
Declan Phillips, 14, died after being struck by a 4WD on his way to school on Wednesday
‘Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and other costs. There will also be donation points available at Carmichael Park during matches this weekend – on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
‘In a tribute to Declan, Wynnum’s NPL Men’s team will observe a minute’s silence on Saturday night before their match against Peninsula Power, as will the Wynnum U10 Wolverine and Thor teams, who play each other on Saturday afternoon.
‘There will be a minute’s silence across all games at Carmichael Park at that time.
‘All Wolves teams are encouraged to wear black armbands in their games this weekend.’
On Tuesday afternoon, students from Wynnum State High School visited the crash site – and many were seen consoling each other as they laid flowers in memory of Declan, who was gifted at maths and had a passion for solving problems.
Queensland Police also confirmed they are investigating the crash.
Family friend Lisa Axem posted online that Declan had a promising future.
‘His younger brother and parents are still in deep shock, disbelief and grief,’ she said.
Declan was walking to school when he was hit by an L-plater in Brisbane this week
Declan was a gifted maths student who also had a penchant for problem solving and lego (pictured)
‘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 spoke of the impact Declan had on their lives.
‘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 posted.
‘I know you are resting easy up there, you were the quietest, but sweetest kid.’
Wynnum State High School principal Sandra Quinn also said Declan will be missed.
‘He was a much-loved year nine male student and valued member of our Wynnum State High School community,’ the letter read, according to 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, is infamous due to its 1.9m clearance.
