Close-knit community rocked by death of young Truro motorcyclist killed after he hit tree at Angaston

A 16-year-old motorcyclist from Truro has died after crashing into a tree at Angaston on Saturday night, devastating his small community.

The teenager is the 10th life lost on SA roads this year, and the fifth motorcyclist to die. Picture: Patrick James

A teenage motorcyclist on his L plates has died after he hit a tree at Angaston – just days before the State Government considers rule changes to learner riders.

Will Miller, 16, from Truro, was riding along Menglers Hill Road, about 4km southeast of Angaston in the Barossa Valley, when he crashed into a tree about 9pm on Saturday. He died at the scene.

He is the fifth motorcyclist to die on South Australian roads so far this year.

The tragedy comes as the government prepares to pass its long-anticipated graduated licensing scheme, which would raise the minimum age of a learner’s permit from 16 to 18 with some exceptions, including for rural workers.

The legislation also proposes banning passengers for learner motorcyclists.

Road Safety Minister Vincent Tarzia said the changes were vital to help avoid tragedies like the death of Will.

William Miller, a 16-year-old motorcyclist from Truro. Picture approved by his grandparents.

In Truro on Sunday, Pastor Mathew Ker, of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, said the teenager’s death was a “tragedy that has rocked the community”.

“Everyone feels it very deeply, the news affected everyone,” said Pastor Ker, who visited Will’s family in the afternoon. “The community feels for his family and friends at this time. We can’t imagine the grief they’re going through.

“Anytime someone, particularly a young person, is killed in a local community, everybody feels it very deeply.

“We encourage everyone to get around the family and support them as best as they’re able to.”

A 16-year-old has died after crashing into a tree at Angaston. Picture: Patrick James

Will is the 10th person – and the fifth motorcyclist – to die on SA roads this year.

Mr Tarzia said the government was “dedicated to comprehensive, effective reform, which will protect all road users to prevent further lives lost on our roads”.

“We will continue working closely with SAPOL’s road safety experts and the Road User Safety Advisory Committee to prevent further lives lost on our roads,” he said.