Motorcycle rider dies after colliding with Stobie pole at Somerton Park

A Hove man has died after crashing his Harley Davidson motorcycle into a Stobie pole in front of Sacred Heart College at Somerton Park.

A man has died after crashing his motorcycle into a Stobie pole in front of a Somerton Park school.

The bike ridden by 45-year-old Hove man – identified as former Finks bikie Anthony Mavropoulos – crashed into a Stobie pole just after noon Monday in front of Sacred Heart College, near the intersection of Brighton Rd and Whyte St.

A section of Brighton Rd remained closed until about 6.30pm while Major Crash detectives investigated.

Police investigate at the Somerton Park crash scene after a motorcyclist was taken to hospital. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Sacred Heart College told The Advertiser the school was providing support to students who witnessed the event.

“Sacred Heart College students who were in the vicinity at the time were provided with counselling and will receive ongoing support as needed,” the school said.

“The college expresses its sympathy to the victim and his family at this tragic time.”

Sacred Heart College principal Steve Byrne said there were about half a dozen students away from school on Tuesday dealing Monday’s traumatic event.

Students and members of the school community have been offered further counselling from SAPOL, with Sacred Heart identifying those impacted.

“I think it highlights the family spirit of Sacred Heart, where we wrap around each other and we keep communication open,” Mr Byrne said.

“The kids were amazing – I think they got a sense of just how serious the issue was.”

Mr Byrne urged motorists to take care, especially around schools.

“I think it’s a reminder for all of us that you don’t know what’s around the corner and for goodness’ sake, please drive safely.”

Witnesses in a nearby hair salon when the crash occurred said there was a “massive bang” loud enough to be heard over the top of nearby construction work when the accident happened.

What appeared to be a tyre mark was visible for about 30 metres along Brighton Road leading up to the Stobie pole.

The crash occurred just after noon Monday in front of Sacred Heart College. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Major Crash investigators are at the crash scene, at the intersection of Brighton Road and Whyte Street. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Tyson Dohnt, who works at nearby business Trio Sign Solutions, said the noise of the motorcycle initially got his attention.

“It happened so quick,” Mr Dohnt said.

“When we stopped at that corner we could see all the debris on the ground but we didn’t want to get too close.”

Mr Dohnt said locals had ongoing concerns about speeding near the intersection.

“We do hear a lot of bikes, cars flying through here … and you’re kind of ready to hear a bang.”

Mr Dohnt said a car had crashed and gone through a wall of a neighbouring business previously.

The man’s death is the 15th life lost on South Australian roads this year compared to 21 at the same time last year.