Two 17-year-olds die in e-bike crash on Gold Coast as Good Samaritan parents uncover tragedy

Two 17-year-olds were involved in an e-bike crash on the Gold Coast on Monday, with one killed and the other severely injured. Hudson Gagg died at the scene, and Jydon Meyers was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in serious but stable condition after the two-seat e-bike collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander at the intersection of Tallebudgera Creek Road and Fenton Drive.

Good Samaritan parents Jason and Gillian Gagg, at the request of a friend, Kylie Meyers, drove to the crash site to check on Jydon around 4 p.m. They tried to call their own son, Hudson, whose phone was off. When they arrived, they found roadblocks in place and learned something devastating about the two boys’ involvement, the families said.

"We arrived at the scene just as they were blocking the road when I saw their son [Jydon] lying on the road," Mr Gagg told the Daily Mail. "Then I saw the big blue plastic tarpaulin being held up and saw Hudson. We didn't even know Hudson was with him. Hudson passed away before our eyes."

Mr Gagg clarified through the Daily Mail that his son had been the pillion passenger, not the rider, as earlier reported by police.

Jydon Meyers, the rider, was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition after the crash. The two-seat e-bike was involved in a collision with a Mitsubishi Outlander, driven by a 65-year-old man from Robina, who was also taken to hospital and treated for shock and emotional distress. Investigators continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and appeal for witnesses or dashcam footage.

On Thursday, the families issued a message to the elderly driver, saying they were keeping him in their thoughts during this unimaginable time. "From the bottom of our hearts, we want to express how truly sorry we are that the gentleman driving the car has had to go through this unimaginable tragedy," they said. "We send you love, strength, and deepest compassion as you too carry this heavy burden."

Ms Meyers, who described the two boys as lifelong friends, said the two grew up together and shared a deep lifelong bond. "I have had the privilege of watching Hudson grow from a bright, spirited boy into a healthy, beautiful young man with a radiant smile and remarkable manners," she said. "These two boys grew up side by side, sharing every milestone, adventure, and dream. Their bond was unbreakable, built on laughter, love, and countless memories of a childhood spent together. Now, as Jydon faces a long road to recovery, that deep connection is both a source of comfort and an aching reminder of their inseparable closeness."

Ms Meyers later said she had started a GoFundMe page to help support the families financially during the recovery and grieving process. "Every donation, big or small, will help ease the financial burden and allow all of us who love these boys to focus on what matters most—healing and remembering Hudson’s beautiful soul," she said.

Family and friends gathered at the scene on Tuesday morning as a flower memorial was set up by a wooden post near the intersection. Tributes have poured in online as community members offered condolences, with messages such as, "Rest in peace young man" and expressions of sympathy for the families.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue. Police urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to contact 131 444.