Police investigate fateful final moments before Roma motorbike crash

Police have addressed widespread speculation the 24-year-old man killed in a motorbike crash at Roma was riding recklessly and was being pursued by officers when the fatal crash occurred. LATEST HERE

Police have addressed widespread speculation that St George man Ethan Turnbull was being pursued by officers when he crashed his motorbike and died on Wednesday morning.

Despite suggestions circulating online that police had chased the 24-year-old, police said that was not the case.

The Queensland Police Service’s Ethical Standards Command will oversee the investigation into Ethan Turnbull’s death after police responded to reports of a motorbike rider disturbing the peace.

“There was no police pursuit,” a police spokesman said.

“Police were patrolling the area looking for the motorcyclist due to public reports, which were due to the manner of driving.”
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.

QPS refused to comment on whether police observed him riding dangerously before the crash or whether they suspected drugs or alcohol were involved.

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

Mr Turnbull died at the scene before paramedics arrived.

Southern Regional Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon said the matter was not being treated as a death in custody.

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.”

Brian Kemp with son Ethan Turnbull, who is being remembered as a "kind hearted" person after he died in a motorcycle crash.

Friend Aden McGuane said Mr Turnbull was well loved among friends, as well as strangers.

“Ethan was one of those people (that) it didn’t matter if you knew him for 10 minutes or 10 years, he’d treat you with the same respect.

“Just a kind hearted, good person gone way too early.”

St George man Ethan Turnbull.

As of this week, there have been more than 240 fatal crashes in Queensland involving 268 deaths.

Earlier this year, police pleaded with every registered motorbike rider – especially those in the 40-60 years age bracket – to think twice about the way they ride.

To help combat the spike in fatalities, the Queensland Government took the unusual step of sending warning emails and letters to every registered rider in the state in April.

It followed the introduction of a new motorcycle Hazard Perception Test to ensure learner motorcyclists’ skills were up to scratch before they progress to unsupervised riding

Meanwhile, close to 400 motorcyclists are expected to escort much-loved Bribie Island personal trainer Andrew McGillivray on his final ride this weekend.

The 61-year-old Bongaree man sadly died after the motorcycle he was riding collided with the rear of a truck at Ningi on December 6.