Lucas Reid, 15, died on Dec. 31 after his e‑bike struck a telephone pole on Dons Head Road in Devonport, Tasmania. Tasmania Police confirmed the teen was pronounced dead at the scene and said the crash is under investigation. Reid was a survivor of the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School disaster, which killed six children after strong winds lifted an inflatable jumping castle. GWS captain Toby Greene paid tribute to Reid's "resilience and optimism" and extended condolences to his family.
Lucas Reid, 15 — Survivor Of 2021 Bouncy Castle Disaster — Dies After E‑Bike Crash
7NEWS Tasmania/FacebookLucas Reid
Lucas Reid, 15, has died after his electric bicycle struck a telephone pole in Devonport, Tasmania, late on Dec. 31. The collision occurred on Dons Head Road at about 7:30 p.m. local time on New Year’s Eve, and Tasmania Police confirmed the teen was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say emergency services were called to the area just after 8 p.m. as the response was underway, and the crash remains under investigation.
Google mapsDon Heads Road in Australia
Investigation And Police Statement
Tasmania Police released a brief statement offering condolences: "Our thoughts are with the rider's family and loved ones." Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances of the crash while inquiries continue. Media outlets reported that PEOPLE contacted Tasmania Police on Jan. 4 for further comment but had not yet received a response.
RICHARD BROOKS/AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images Tribute at Hillcrest Primary School after the bouncy castle incident in December 2021
A Survivor Of The 2021 Hillcrest Primary Tragedy
Reid was widely known in the local community after surviving the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School disaster in Devonport, when strong winds lifted an inflatable jumping castle more than 30 feet into the air. That accident killed six children and left others seriously injured. In the months that followed, Reid spent several weeks in hospital and required a wheelchair during his recovery.
Community Tributes
Following his recovery from the 2021 accident, Reid met players from the Richmond Football Club and the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants, including his favorite player, GWS captain Toby Greene. Greene paid tribute to Reid in comments to The Mercury: "It is tragic news. Lucas was such a great young man and had overcome so much. His resilience and optimism really stood out." Greene added that they had kept in touch over the years and that the GWS family extends its deepest sympathy to Reid's family and friends.
The community continues to mourn Reid's sudden death while authorities investigate the circumstances of the crash. Support and condolences have poured in from local residents and sporting clubs who remembered him for his courage and positivity.
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