Mallee Smith has died after she was hit by a car in Queensland over the weekend. Photo: LinkedIn.
The 24-year-old NSW woman who died after an allegedly deliberate hit-and-run in Maroochydore was former Broulee local and Shellharbour Council employee Mallee Smith.
A council spokesperson confirmed Mallee had died and paid tribute to her.
“Mallee Smith was a dedicated and caring team member who strived to improve the quality of life of the community she served,” the spokesperson said.
“Her sudden passing has shocked her close-knit team as well as our staff.
“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
A former University of Wollongong student, Mallee undertook a Bachelor of Science with a focus on sustainability and graduated with honours.
She went on to work as a research assistant at the University before gaining employment with council.
Mallee was one of eight pedestrians hit by a car on Aerodrome Road on Saturday, 13 December. It is understood she had travelled to Queensland to visit family.
A Queensland Police spokesperson said emergency services were called to the scene about 11:55 pm, following reports a white Toyota Yaris had struck a group of eight pedestrians.
“The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota, a 38-year-old Maroochydore man, allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle following the crash,” the spokesperson said.
“He was located by police at an Alexandra Parade address a short time later and taken into custody.
“One of the pedestrians, a 24-year-old woman from NSW, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition.
Mallee died on Monday, 15 December.
Three other pedestrians, including two 18-year-old men and a 19-year-old man, were taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Detective Acting Inspector Peter Hocken said police were treating the incident as an allegedly “intentional, deliberate act” after a “minor” altercation between the driver and a group of men.
Police have alleged the man drove off before returning a short time later and mounting the footpath, where six males and two females were walking.
“The [women] were unknown to the other males; they just happened to be walking on that sidewalk at that time,” Acting Inspector Hocken said.
On 14 December police charged 38-year-old Maroochydore man Guilherme Dal Bo with eight counts of attempted murder.
His charges are expected to be upgraded following Mallee’s death.
He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear before Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 19 December.
Investigations remain ongoing.
