On the 1st October 2008 at approximately 1am, a drunk learner driver allegedly drove at 150kmh while three times over the legal limit when he allegedly struck and killed the Gold Coast nursing student, Dean Hofstee in Melbourne. His mate Clancy Coker was seriously injured and was taken to a near by hospital with a broken leg and a suspected brain injury.

International student Puneet Puneet, 19, of Newport, was granted bail after appearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon charged with culpable driving.

Puneet was driving his Holden Commodore in City Road, Southbank, when it hit two Gold Coast university students, in town for the 2008 Australian University Games, outside their hotel.

Griffith University student Dean Hofstee, 19, was returning to the Mantra Hotel about 1am when the out-of-control car mounted the footpath and struck him and friend Clancy Coker, 20.

He died at the scene while Mr Coker was taken to hospital with serious injuries, including a broken leg.

The court heard a preliminary reconstruction of the scene indicated Puneet was travelling at more than 150km/h in a 60km/h zone and had a blood-alcohol reading of 0.165. The crash scene was one of devastation, with the car barely recognisable outside the hotel

Magistrate Duncan Reynolds granted Puneet, an Indian who has been living in Australia for 18 months on a student visa, bail and ordered him to reappear in court next January.

Puneet has been ordered to report to police five times a week, surrender his passport, not attend points of international departure, and not leave the state. He has been banned from driving while on bail.

Mr Hofstee and Mr Croker were members of the Griffith University water polo team, and part of a 250-strong delegation from the university competing in the games.

"It's just tragedy, a classic tragedy. They thought they had made it home," Australian University Sport CEO Don Knapp said.

"We will carry on and conclude the games, but it will be under an air of sadness."

The second year nursing student at Griffith's Gold Coast campus, had lived at Burleigh Heads since he was 14.Close friend Steve Puccini said Hofstee was "a fantastic guy who was always there for his friends".

Hofstee was a well-respected member of the Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club and competed in the IRB races at this year's state championships, winning gold and silver.

Mr Puccini said his friend had been having the time of his life at the games in Melbourne.

"He would've been coming off the biggest high of his life, only to have it taken from him. He's died happy," Mr Puccini said.

Grief-stricken friends posted messages on Hofstee's Facebook page remembering him as "an amazing person" with "an infectious smile and a life-living attitude".

Griffith University yesterday posted a statement on its website extending its deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

His parents, Peter and Francesca, were being supported by friends and his 21-year-old brother Quinton was understood to be making arrangements to return from overseas.

Deano was devoted to his wide circle of friends and always willing to help someone in need, which characterised his passion for his future career in healthcare.

Fellow nursing student Daniel Glaubert met Mr Hofstee on the first day of class in 2006 and credits his mate with encouraging him to stick to his studies.

"If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be in nursing, and now that he's gone I don't know how I am going to survive," Mr Glaubert said.

"When I first got there (to university), being nursing, there was about 170 girls and I didn't know anybody and he was the first person I went to... Since that first day we've been best mates."

Dean always made lectures bearable. You could always hear him in the library 'studying' before you actually saw him.

He volunteered his time as a patrol vice captain and went above and beyond his responsibilities, earning a life saving gold medallion - considered one of the highest possible accolades - just months ago.

Club administrator Julie Dennis said the talented youngster put in an average of 100 hours patrol time each year, despite being required to clock up only 30 hours.

"He was such a lovely young guy... a really good kid and I just can't believe that he's gone," Ms Dennis said.

He was an accomplished competitor in the field of IRB (rubber ducky) racing and scored a gold and silver medal at this year's state championships.

Long-time friend and fellow club member Steve Puccini was left distraught by the news yesterday and said he was struggling to cope.

"I was best mates with him... he was very popular. This is such a shock, such a tragedy," Mr Puccini said.

He was younger than most of his closest friends, but Hofstee's close-knit circle looked up to him for advice and were left devastated by his loss.

Ben Nobbs said it would take some time to come to terms with his friend's death and said a large number of people on the Gold Coast had been affected.

"He was everyone's best mate... just a great guy. He was a bit younger than a few of us but we loved him like a little brother."

While he was a friend to many, his best mate was undoubtedly his 21-year-old brother Quinton, who is part way through a trip around Europe. He is understood to be making arrangements to return home.

Hofstee's page on the social networking website Facebook has been inundated with tributes from dozens of friends, who described him as a man who was loved by all.

Several friends mentioned the motivation they received from him at university, recounting memories of long study sessions and note sharing at the pub.

"I wouldn't have made it this far in uni without you and we all know it," one said.

Other messages paid tribute to Mr Hofstee's life achievements, sporting accomplishments and devotion to his family.

His uncle David Lambole said the family was in deep shock and thanked Mr Hofstee's friends for their support and kind words.

However it was the comment from friend Josh Wray that seemed to sum up the mood of all.

"You said you always carried a little bit of everyone you met, you said it made you a better person. I think it made us want to be better, like you.

"The world just seems a little bit quieter with the knowledge that you will never laugh again... RIP big Deano. You the man!"


For those who knew him, our lives were truely touched. Most of us had the privilege of seeing him everyday at uni, work or placement. Deano was an awesome, awsome bloke who just wanted to help people. He was a brother, a team mate, a son, a patrol member, a crewie and a damn fine nurse. The world has truly been robbed of a quality bloke.

Deano, your positivity, kindness and happiness will always be treasured and you will never ever be forgotten. We know your up there in heaven looking down at us and we will be thinking of you every step of the way. We love you Deano.

Rest In Piece Deano, we will see you soon!


Celebrate his life guys, share your memories.




Drink driving is for idiots! Even thinking about drink driving is stupid. You will ruin more then one life, you will ruin a whole community. 'L' stands for Lunacy!