UPDATE 11.45am

Tributes are flowing for a young boy who died after he was hit by an allegedly drunk driver near Brisbane on Christmas night.

Nine-year-old Josiah Sisson was looking at Christmas lights with his family in Springwood when he was hit by the 24-year-old driver on Sunday.

Josiah was rushed to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital but died on Tuesday after his family chose to take him off life support.

His family have indicated they are willing to forgive the driver as tributes flow for their “great little” boy.

Speaking on the family’s behalf, Pastor Peter Field said the Sissons believed in forgiveness.

As Christmas is about Jesus Christ being born and coming into the world to bring forgiveness, they believe in the power of forgiveness and they’re now processing this and moving forward.”

“He was a great little boy and he’s going to be missed very much.”

Josiah is being remembered as an incredibly happy-go-lucky boy.

“His parents are long time friends of my parents … I remember meeting Josiah when he was about 5, such a happy, friendly, chatty little boy,” one woman wrote on Facebook.

Flowers, soft toys and candles have also been placed at the scene of the crash.

Police say the 24-year-old man driving the car failed to negotiate a turn off Jardine Street and hit a parked car before striking Josiah, who was walking nearby.

Police questioned the man but released him pending further investigation.

EARLIER

A nine-year-old boy hit by an alleged drink-driver on Christmas night south of Brisbane, has died in hospital.

Josiah Sisson had been in the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital since about 7pm on Sunday, when he was struck while looking at Christmas lights in Springwood with his family.

Josiah Sisson was hit after this car crashed into a parked car, then hit a house. Photo: ABC News

Speaking on behalf of the family, pastor Peter Field said Josiah was “an incredibly happy-go-lucky, joyful little boy”.

“[Josiah’s family] believe in the power of forgiveness and they’re now processing this and they’re moving forward,” he said.

“They have another young son and as you can imagine they are all now trying to come to terms with the loss of this little boy, as nobody would ever anticipate something like this would happen to you on Christmas.

“They want to say thank you particularly to the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital who have done an absolutely outstanding job … the service and the care they’ve given has been nothing short of sublime.”

Pastor Field asked that the Sisson family’s privacy be respected as they mourn.

After hitting Josiah Sisson, the car smashed into this trampoline and then a house. Photo: ABC News

Police said Josiah was hit after the 24-year-old male driver took a corner too quickly and lost control of his car.

The out-of-control sedan then crashed into a house, causing substantial damage to the right-hand side. 

Police have questioned the driver but no charges have been laid.

‘Many tragedies can be avoided’

Inspector Keiryn Dermody said the investigation was continuing.

“It is very important that we gather all the right evidence and make sure we refer the correct charge against the driver of that vehicle,” she said.

Friends and family of Josiah gathered to lay flowers and pray at the scene of the crash. Photo: ABC News

“We need to wait and see what all the evidence tells us and what the most appropriate charge under the circumstances would be.”

She said it was another reminder of the dangers of drink-driving. 

“Sadly many tragedies can be avoided and with the help of many in the community we can stop the deaths on our roads,” Inspector Dermody said.