A fatal crash in Shorncliffe has left a 38-year-old father-of-five dead, with a teenage driver charged following an incident in a car park on Sinbad Street.
Fatal Crash In Shorncliffe Car Park
Emergency services were called about 8:35 pm on 17 April to Sinbad Street near Allpass Parade after reports a man had been struck by a vehicle in a car park. A black Ford Focus was seen driving within the area before the collision occurred.
The 38-year-old man was located at the scene and declared deceased.
Alleged Events Leading To The Crash
Police allege the vehicle was travelling within the car park before striking the man. It is further alleged the car continued across the road and drove through a fence before coming to a stop nearby.
The driver, a 17-year-old male, allegedly exited the vehicle after the crash and approached nearby residents, asking them to call triple-0. He later spoke with police upon their arrival.
The teenager has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and was expected to appear in Brisbane Children’s Court on 18 April.
A Life Behind The Headline
The man has been identified as 38-year-old Bevon Sapolu, a father of five.
He had been sleeping rough and had found work learning to be a deckhand on a seafood trawler in the area. He was regarded positively by those he worked with.
His partner of 20 years witnessed the incident while arriving to pick him up for dinner.
Investigation Ongoing In Shorncliffe
Forensic Crash Unit officers are continuing to investigate the Shorncliffe crash, including the events leading up to the incident.
Police have appealed for anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or who may have seen the black Ford Focus, to come forward with information or relevant footage.
Published 20-Apr-2026
Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook
