Inquest into fatal Qld awning collapse

An inquest into the freak death of a Gold Coast businessman on a popular Burleigh Heads street more than three years ago will begin on Tuesday.

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

Some eyewitness reports 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.

Mr Walton developed the $50 million Currumbin Eco Village with business partner Kerry Shepherd.

The cause of his death will be the subject of the inquest at Southport Magistrates Court.