Police rule out schoolies link after Noosa teenage pedestrian killed
Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash in Noosa. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Josh Dye)
Queensland police say a teenage pedestrian run over by a car on the Sunshine Coast was lying on the road.
Emergency services were called to Claude Batten Drive in Noosa Heads just before 2am on Sunday after reports of a crash.
A 17-year-old boy from Cooroy in the Noosa hinterland was struck by a Ford Ranger ute and treated for critical injuries.
He died at the scene a short time later.
Inspector John Mahony said the boy was "lying on the roadway immediately prior to being struck" and police are trying to piece together his movements.
"Initial investigations have identified the male had been consuming alcohol prior to the incident," he said.
"Police have identified numerous witnesses who had been speaking to the 17-year-old prior to the accident.
"For whatever reason, this young man has ended up on the roadway, whether that was through intoxication or misadventure.
"It reinforces that individuals should remain with their friendship groups when they are consuming alcohol."
The driver of the ute, a 19-year-old Tewantin man, is assisting police with the investigation.
He tested negative to a roadside drug and alcohol test.
"Investigations thus far have identified that it probably is just a tragic accident," Inspector Mahony said.
"Those individuals [in the ute] were simply going about their business — they weren’t driving dangerously.
"Unfortunately they were unable to avoid the collision. It is a dark area.
"The fact that the 17-year-old was lying on the roadway has certainly contributed to the accident.
"At this time, there doesn't appear to be any blame on behalf of the driver of the Ford utility."
Inspector Mahony said the boy had been enjoying a night out with friends, but was not part of schoolies celebrations.
The driver and the victim did not know each other.
Anyone who witnessed the crash should contact police.