Pottie dies after Cunningham Highway crash near Brisbane
A 17-year-old New Zealand surfer, Taika Cleland-Pottie, has died after being struck by a car near Brisbane, Australia. The teen was a talented athlete and aspiring DJ who had recently moved to the Gold Coast with his family.
Why it matters
The tragic death of a promising young athlete has prompted tributes from the local surfing community and highlighted the impact of road accidents on expatriate families.
A promising 17-year-old New Zealand surfer has died after being hit by a car in rural Queensland.
Taika Cleland-Pottie was struck by a white Toyota Yaris at Clumber, about 86km southwest of Brisbane, at 6.20pm on Friday. He died at the scene.
The teen had moved with his mother, Lina Marsh, her partner Rob, and other family to the Gold Coast two years ago from Gisborne.
Marsh told the Herald her son was flourishing in Australia.
He was a talented surfer, was getting booked as a DJ and doing well academically, passing Level 3 business studies and Level 2 electrotechnology,
He “squeezed every moment out of life, filling himself up with joy”, Marsh said.
“My friend said if we were to paint a picture of our perfect son, it was him.
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