Tyler Calleja, an 18-year-old marathon runner from Yeppoon, is fighting for life after falling from the ninth floor of the Essentia building on Remembrance Drive in Surfers Paradise shortly after 4:30am on Sunday. The fall occurred just hours after he completed the Gold Coast half-marathon, where he recorded a personal-best time.
Details of the Incident
Calleja fell onto a parked car in the complex's carpark. A maintenance worker discovered him and raised the alarm. Paramedics rushed to the scene, treating him for significant head and abdominal injuries before transporting him to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.
Police stated, “Investigations indicate the man had returned to the apartment complex and attempted to gain entry to the building. It is believed the man fell while attempting to gain access to the unit where he was staying before falling into the car park area.”
Background on Tyler Calleja
Calleja, a Fitstop coach, had only hours earlier competed in the Gold Coast half-marathon, achieving a personal-best time. Earlier this year, he ran 100km in 24 hours to raise money for the Queensland Children’s Hospital after watching his friend battle leukaemia.
Community Support
Friends have begun posting messages of support online. One said, “Thinking of you mate.” Investigations into the fall remain ongoing.
