A hard-working 15-year-old who “could brighten any room” has passed away following a workplace incident, just six months after starting his job.

Beau Bradford was working on a concreting site at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast when an object fell from equipment on a pump truck and struck him around 7am on Monday.

Emergency responders provided care at the scene before transporting him to Gold Coast University Hospital, but despite every effort, he could not be saved.

“They worked on him for a long time before they could even move him,” Beau’s mother, Amanda Dalrymple, shared.

“I’m having to let go because he’s already gone… I’m really not okay.”

Dalrymple, along with Beau’s father Cameron Bradford and his eight-year-old sister Irah, said they are devastated beyond words as they try to cope with an unimaginable loss.

She described Beau as always smiling and “a light in the room.”

“He was so funny. He loved dressing up, loved his shoes, loved his friends, his family, and he loved working,” she said.

“I even loved how he teased me all the time — blasting his music in my car, talking about his Rust game when I had no idea what he meant.”

Beau’s aunt, Alicia Downs, said the teenager wasn’t suited to traditional classrooms and had chosen to work full-time in concreting.

He first worked at Domino’s with his aunt before starting concreting about six months ago.

He was preparing to sign his apprenticeship soon and dreamed of one day running his own company.

“He loved being on site, learning new skills and challenging himself,” Downs wrote on a GoFundMe page created to support the family.

“He had a work ethic many adults spend years trying to develop, and he was incredibly proud of the future he was building.”

She described Beau as a cherished son, an adored big brother, and a much-loved family member.

“His kindness, caring heart, and quick sense of humour could light up any room.

“If you were lucky enough to meet Beau, you’d know the world feels a little dimmer without him.”

The fundraiser aims to help the family with funeral arrangements, time away from work, and honouring Beau’s memory.

“Spread your wings and fly high, Beau Beau. You are forever loved, and your light will always live on,” Downs wrote.

A concreting company Beau worked with also shared a heartfelt tribute, calling him “the heart of the crew.”

“You brought so much laughter and joy to us all,” the post read.

“Your attitude, determination and work ethic at such a young age were rare and inspiring. We will never forget you, mate. You’ll always be in our hearts.”

Friends gathered at the hospital to say goodbye, with tributes continuing to pour in online.

“Fly high little Beau. The pain of losing you is impossible to describe,” one friend wrote.

Another shared: “Goodbye for now, my friend. You always found a way to make us smile and lift everyone’s spirits.”

Dalrymple has called for stronger safety measures around machinery and equipment on job sites to help prevent similar incidents.

Queensland Police said Beau’s passing was sudden and not suspicious.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland confirmed inspectors attended the site and are continuing their review.