A Queensland man who was killed when a car ploughed into the front yard of his house on Christmas night, has been named as Russell Klein, 55.

Klein, a well-known sportsman in the area, was killed in the crash at 9.30pm when the vehicle ploughed into the garden in Millmerran, Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

Maureen Saunders said she heard her female neighbour screaming for help and ran to assist.

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"I said, 'we better turn him onto his side in the recovery position, might breathe easier, and then I noticed his left leg was under the house," she said.

Toowoomba Mayor, Paul Antonio paid tribute to Klein, who he said taught footy to children.

"He's probably one of those footballers who should've given up years ago, but anyway he kept doing it, he kept teaching young people," he said.

"The community is lucky to have had him and I'm proud to have known him."

Police located the alleged driver, a 30-year-old man, near the crash scene.

He is helping detectives with their investigation.

The Forensic Crash Unit is also investigating.