Lucas Reid, 15, a survivor of the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle incident, died on December 31 following an e-bike collision in Devonport, Tasmania. Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision.
E-Bike Collision Details
The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 PM on December 31 on Don Heads Road in Devonport. Reports indicate that the e-bike collided with a pole, with one source stating Reid lost control of the vehicle. A local resident provided assistance at the scene, but Mr. Reid was pronounced deceased.
Tasmania Police have initiated an investigation into the collision. Inspector Nick Clark confirmed the fatality and noted that a helmet was found at the scene, though it has not been confirmed whether Mr. Reid was wearing it at the time of the accident. A report on the incident is being prepared for the coroner.
Background: Hillcrest Primary School Incident
Lucas Reid was one of three individuals who sustained injuries in the Hillcrest Primary School incident on December 16, 2021. During end-of-year celebrations, a jumping castle was lifted an estimated 10 meters into the air by a gust of wind, which was described by some as a "mini tornado."
The 2021 event resulted in the deaths of six Hillcrest Primary students: Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Peter Dodt. Following the incident, Mr. Reid received hospital treatment for several weeks and required a wheelchair due to his serious injuries.
Related Legal Proceedings and Memorial
Legal proceedings following the Hillcrest incident included the owner and operator of the jumping castle, Rosemary Gamble, who was found not guilty of breaching Tasmania's health and safety act in June of the previous year. Evidence presented during the Tasmanian Magistrates Court hearing indicated that four pegs were used to secure the inflatable before it was displaced across the school oval.
A coronial inquest into the Hillcrest incident is scheduled for a hearing in April. A memorial related to the event is also planned to be established approximately 4 kilometers from the school.
Community and Official Responses
Following confirmation of Mr. Reid's death, several individuals and organizations issued statements of condolence:
- Minister Jane Howlett, a Tasmanian MP, extended the state government's condolences to "Lucas's family, his friends and his loved ones and all the Hillcrest community," affirming continued government support.
- Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman issued condolences to Mr. Reid's family on behalf of the council.
- AFL player Toby Greene, captain of the GWS Giants, commented on Mr. Reid's death, referencing a previous meeting at a fundraiser following the Hillcrest incident. The GWS Giants team also acknowledged Mr. Reid, referencing a 2022 video featuring him in their locker room, and GWS Giants CEO David Matthews made a statement.