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Introduction
A 15-year-old boy has died after a tragic workplace incident on the Gold Coast, prompting grief across the community and investigations by Queensland authorities. The teenager, Beau Bradford, suffered critical injuries while working at a Surfers Paradise construction site on Monday morning.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were called to the site about 7am, where they found the young worker with severe, life-threatening injuries. Paramedics transported Bradford to Gold Coast University Hospital, but despite urgent medical efforts, he later died.
While police described the death as “sudden and non-suspicious”, the CFMEU said it had been advised that Bradford was struck by a falling object on the worksite — a detail now central to the regulatory investigation.
Queensland Police confirmed a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Family and Community Response
A fundraising page set up to support funeral costs paints a heartbreaking picture of the teenager’s short life.
Family member Alicia Downs wrote:
“We adore Beau with every part of our hearts. Nothing in this world will ever feel right without him.”
She described him as kind, caring and blessed with a quick sense of humour — a boy deeply loved by his family and friends.
A floral tribute has since been placed at the Surfers Paradise worksite, with locals and workers stopping to pay their respects.
Regulatory Investigation
A spokesperson for Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) confirmed inspectors attended the site shortly after the incident and are now investigating the circumstances around the teen’s death, including:
- site safety controls and supervision
- falling-object protection measures
- compliance with safe work procedures involving young workers
The CFMEU said it would assist authorities as inquiries continue.
Conclusion
Beau Bradford’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the Gold Coast community and reignited concerns about safety practices on busy urban construction sites. As investigators work to determine how the falling-object incident occurred, the teenager’s family faces immeasurable grief and the long process of laying their loved one to rest.