Inquest begins into Qld awning death

The partner of a man killed when an awning fell on him outside a Gold Coast shop has appealed for authorities to ensure a similar accident doesn't occur in the future.

Property developer Christopher Walton, 54, died after an awning fell and crushed him at James Street in Burleigh Heads just before Christmas in 2012.

Witness reports at the time suggested Mr Walton pushed other passers-by out of the way as the awning fell.

Paramedics attempted to revive him but he died at the scene while three women were taken to Gold Coast Hospital with minor injuries.

An inquest into his death started at the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday and will look at what caused the awning to collapse, in particular the method used to attach the awning to the building.

In a statement to media, his partner Kerry Sheppard said she hoped the inquest would make recommendations that would prevent another tragedy.

"As far as I'm concerned this can't happen again in a public spot. Buildings shouldn't fall down and kill people," she said.

"I want to see changes made that stop this from ever happening again and prevent another family experiencing the loss that we have."