Much-loved local dies in hit and run

THE Bangalow community is in mourning following the tragic death of much-loved local Paul ‘Campo’ Campton, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident over the weekend.

Mr Campton, who was aged in his 60s, was found with critical injuries around 3.30am on Sunday outside the Bangalow Community Children’s Centre. Despite the efforts of NSW Ambulance paramedics, he died at the scene.

The vehicle involved fled before police arrived, and the driver has yet to be identified.

Mr Campton, a long-time Bangalow resident, was remembered as a devoted family man who tirelessly supported his daughters’ athletic pursuits throughout their school years. It is understood he had been attending a friend’s birthday celebration at The Bowlo on Saturday evening.

Tweed/Byron Police have established a crime scene, which was examined by specialists from the Crash Investigation Unit. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Longstanding plans by Byron Shire Council to construct a footpath on Raftons Road, where the incident occurred, remain in progress. Following community consultation in 2023, Council opted for a pedestrian-only footpath over a shared path, citing concerns about parking availability. Preliminary designs were expected to be completed in 2024, with construction dependent on grant funding.

Police are urging anyone with information, including CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the incident, to come forward.

Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated confidentially. Police remind the public not to report information via NSW Police social media channels.