State Coroner investigating fatal crash that claimed life of 14-year-old Bradley Smith as ‘death in course of police operation’

The death of 14-year-old Bradley Smith in a horrific high-speed crash in Manoora earlier this year is being investigated by the State Coroner as one that occurred in the course of a police operation.

THE death of 14-year-old Bradley Smith after an allegedly overloaded and stolen Toyota Yaris smashed into a tree at speed in the early hours of Valentines Day this year is being investigated by State Coroner Terry Ryan as a one that occurred in the course of a police operation.

Bradley’s death just after 1am on February 14 in a car that was allegedly stolen an hour or so previously and was loaded with six children, four of whom were on bail at the time, rocked Cairns.

Amid increasing anger over a rising tide of car thefts, Bradley’s death thrust the city’s youth crime problem and the complexities of the state’s child safety system firmly into the political spotlight.

Bradley Smith., 14, was killed after an allegedly stolen car slammed into a tree on Pease St, Manoora on February 14, 2022. Picture: Facebook

The tragedy led to calls for an inquiry into the management of children in state care, with Bradley’s former carer Tiarnie Mueller saying more lives would be lost if nothing changed.

A spokesman for the Coroners Court of Queensland said State Coroner Ryan was awaiting the results of the police investigation before determining whether to hold an inquest into Bradley’s death.

Queensland Police Service were asked to provide an update on the status of the investigation into Bradley’s death, but the organisation said it would be inappropriate to comment further as the matter was ongoing.

The QPS’ Ethical Standards Command has conduct of the investigation, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Oversight from the CCC is standard procedure for any investigation into a death in the course of a police operation.

The morning of Bradley’s death, Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman told a press conference of the traumatic scene that confronted first-responders.

He was clear that police at no stage pursued the vehicle.

“A tyre deflation device was authorised but was not able to be deployed prior to the crash,” Supt Hodgman said.

Scene of a fatal traffic crash at Manoora, where an allegedly stolen Toyota Yaris left Pease Street near the Saltwater Creek Bridge and crashed into a tree. 14-year-old Bradley Smith was declared dead at the scene, and 5 other children aged 12 to 15 were taken to Cairns Hospital with injuries. Denise Weazael of Manoora lays some flowers at the scene of the crash. Picture: Brendan Radke

When asked whether the driver of the allegedly stolen car was trying to avoid police when they came across the Saltwater Creek Bridge at Pease Street, Manoora, Supt Hodgman said he didn’t know what the driver’s intentions were.

“All I can say is that police were on scene trying to deploy a tyre deflation device. That was unsuccessful and what the driver’s reaction or what the driver’s reacting to, I’m not too sure until we have a chance to talk with the driver,” Supt Hodgman said.

No spikes were deployed across the road, he added.

A 14-year-old boy was charged with manslaughter over Bradley’s death, as well as three counts of grievous bodily harm whilst adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, and one count each of burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and driving without a licence.

His matters remain before the Cairns Childrens Court and will next be mentioned on July 22.

A second 14-year-old boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and burglary.

Supt Hodgman at the time said Bradley’s death was a tragic example of young teenagers driving cars.

Originally published as State Coroner investigating fatal crash that claimed life of 14-year-old Bradley Smith as ‘death in course of police operation’