It was the moment of madness – possibly fuelled by alcohol – that left Swedish student Robin Wahlgren dead and his best mate badly injured and grappling with his loss.
The two Swedes had decided to ride a shopping trolley down Randwick’s steep Coogee Bay Road about midnight last night.
Police believe the pair crossed onto the wrong side of the road, with Mr Wahlgren sitting in the trolley while his friend, also called Robin, was perched on the back.
The trolley then struck a car being driven by a 45-year-old man.
Mr Wahlgren, 28, was flung from the trolley and suffered critical injuries. He died at the scene.
Superintendent Gavin Dengate said the driver had not been speeding and was not under the influence of alcohol when the tragic collision occurred.
“The man that was travelling in the shopping trolley was catapulted out, landing on a kerb,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we all know what shopping trolleys are like, they’re very difficult to control.”
Mr Wahlgren had been in Australia for several years and studied at the University of NSW.
His friend, also 28, had recently made the trip to Sydney to catch up, 9NEWS understands.
Tonight, he remains at St Vincent's Hospital in a stable condition.
He suffered a broken leg, scratches and bruises during the crash.
Police are yet to speak with him.
Superintendent Dengate said it was not clear if he would face charges.
"We will certainly look at all that ... Certainly it's too early to speculate at this stage," he said.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
