Ethan Turnbull: Police say rider ignored sirens, lights before horror fatal crash

New light has been shed on what happened in motorbike rider Ethan Turnbull’s final moments, as police reveal the 24-year-old was due to front court the day he died. LATEST ON THE INVESTIGATION:

Ethan Turnbull ignored emergency lights and sirens just moments before he was killed in a horror Roma crash on December 15, according to police.

The revelations come after widespread speculation the 24-year-old was being pursued by police at the time of his death.

Roma police were called to investigate a motorbike disturbing the peace in the early hours on Wednesday morning.

A QPS spokesman said officers spotted a motorbike travelling on Twine Street without its lights on.

“Police did not engage in a pursuit with the motorcycle but did attempt an intercept by activating their emergency lights and siren,” said the spokesman.

“The motorcycle failed to stop and a short time later police disengaged from the attempted intercept when they lost sight of the motorcycle.”

Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Chrystal and Windham Streets at 1am on Wednesday, where the St George man had crashed.

Mr Turnbull died at the scene before paramedics arrived.

The Forensic Crash Unit is yet to determine the cause of the crash, but police did confirm it was believed Mr Turnbull was not wearing a helmet at the time.

Mr Turnbull’s death came only hours before he was due to appear at the Roma Magistrates Court for failing to stop for police in a separate incident on October 27.

Those charges were dismissed by the court later that morning.

The Queensland Police Service’s Ethical Standards Command has overseen the investigation into Mr Turnbull’s death, but determined it was not part of a policing operation and therefore did not conduct a formal investigation.

“The actions of the police officer who was driving during this intercept has been reviewed by a senior officer and they have found to be in accordance with the QPS safe driving policy,” said the spokesman.

“This is a tragic loss of life and I extend my sincere condolences to the young man’s family and friends.”

In the wake of the shocking news, friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute to the much loved friend, partner and son.

Father Brian Kemp said he was devastated by the sudden loss of his son.

“I’m so shattered, and so are a lot of your good mates and family,” he said.

“Fly high my son, I love you.

“(I’m) going to the pub and having a good charge for you my son. Love you, Ethan.”