British tourist John Cunningham killed in freak accident outside Harbour Town on the Gold Coast
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Shattered family pays tribute to British grandfather who died in a freak accident just hours after arriving in Australia: ‘My heart is broken!’
- Tribute outpouring for British grandfather who tragically died on the Gold Coast
- John Cunningham, 57, and his wife arrived in Australia on Tuesday to visit family
- Hit by ute while crossing the road near Harbor Town and could not be resuscitated
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A British tourist who died in a tragic accident just hours after arriving on the Gold Coast to visit his grandchildren is remembered as a ‘sweet villain’.
John Cunningham, 57, was crossing the road outside the Harbor Town shopping center in Biggera Waters on Wednesday when he was hit by a Holden Colorado car.
The driver, 19 and onlookers rushed to help Mr. Cunningham, but he could not be revived.
He and his wife Annmarie are known to have arrived in Australia on Tuesday, spending time in Singapore en route.
His shattered widow has broken her silence to direct the outpouring of tribute.
John Cunningham (pictured with wife Annmarie) was reunited with his daughter and grandchildren hours before his life was tragically cut short
“My heart is broken, I’ve lost my best friend, a lovable villain,” she wrote on Facebook.
“Thank our children for the way they handle everything, me and your father are so proud.”
She also shared photos and videos from their recent travels, including her husband cooling off in a hotel pool in Singapore.
The couple, who are believed to be from the north of England, are said to be visiting their daughter Leah and her children who were staying at a nearby caravan park.
His daughter described him as the “the best dad” as she shared photos of his grandkids hugging on Tuesday.
‘My heart is all torn out; he was the best father i could ever wish for and my friend. He was the best grandfather to all of his grandchildren and a wonderful husband to my mother. We all love you so much I can’t even put it into words; I know you know we love you,” she wrote.
Shattered friends at home also paid tribute.
‘Rest in peace for a true gentleman… a family man. I am lost for words. I remember the first day we stayed with you 18 years ago, you were such a caring person. Please keep his wife and children in prayer.”
A shattered Annmarie (left) described her husband John (right) as her best friend as she shared photos from their recent travels
British grandfather was crossing the road near Harbor Town shopping center on Wednesday when he was hit by a car
Early investigations suggest that Mr Cunningham may have stepped behind a bus on Oxley Dr when he was hit by a white 2012 Holden Colorado car.
The driver, a 19-year-old man from Biggera Waters, stopped and immediately assisted the man prior to the rescue, but the pedestrian died at the scene.
The driver was treated for shock at the scene and was transferred to Gold Coast University Hospital.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the incident and has called witnesses.
John Cunningham, 57, is remembered as the greatest father and grandfather