Coroner’s report explains death of police officer in down hill crash
An investigation into the death of a Cairns man killed in a downhill mountain bike crash has detailed what happened to the highly-regarded police officer and exactly how he died.
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An investigation into the death of a Cairns man killed in a downhill mountain bike crash has revealed the highly regarded police officer died of catastrophic head and neck injuries.
But the Far North Queensland bike track was in good condition despite being extremely difficult to navigate, the report stated.
On May 9 Frank Falappi with two friends scaled the eastern face of the Saddle Mountain peak before descending a double black diamond downhill trail on his 2024 GT Fury mountain bike in a practice run for the upcoming UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championship.
Sergeant Falappi, 57, was an experienced rider and held national and international mountain bike coaching accreditation.
Mr Falappi had competed in all mountain biking disciplines including downhill, cross
country, enduro and endurance riding.
His competition experience included the 2007 World Police and Fire Games, Trans NZ Enduro Race, and Simpson Desert Race.
In 2019, he achieved the title of Enduro State Masters Champion.
Northern Coroner Stephanie Williams in a non-inquest investigation into the death released on Monday stated Mr Falappi previously had trouble navigating a feature of the Worlds DH trail known as Mick’s Drop.
“Frank was guided through it by those riding with him,” the report stated.
“As Frank attempted the feature, he became airborne.
“While airborne, Frank sat low and behind the seat of his mountain bike.
“On landing, the bike bounced, became airborne again and inverted.
“Frank let go of his bike and fell, landing upside down.”
Riding mates reported Mr Falappi was unresponsive after the crash, they began CPR and called emergency services.
Paramedics arrived a short time later but sadly could do nothing to save Mr Falappi.
An external examination showed the police sergeant suffered multiple blunt force injuries.
The post-mortem computed tomography scan showed a cervical spinal fracture with associated
epidural and subarachnoid haemorrhage, according to the coroner’s report.
The forensic pathologist reported the death was likely caused by catastrophic head and neck injuries.
The coroner found the Worlds DH trail appeared in good condition with no obvious defects or unintended hazards but the section at Mick’s Drop was described as very steep and surrounded by dense rainforest on both sides.
A double black diamond trail is described as an “extremely difficult trail incorporating very steep gradients, highly variable surface, and unavoidable, severe obstacles”, according to the Australian Mountain Bike Trail Guidelines.
“I extend my condolences to Frank’s family and friends for their loss,” Ms Williams’ report states.
A final send-off will be held for Mr Falappi on May 27 at the Mareeba International Club.
In lieu of flowers donations to FNQ Hospital Foundation or the RFDS are appreciated.
Originally published as Coroner’s report explains death of police officer in down hill crash
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