Yarrabilba State Secondary College celebrates life of e-scooter crash victim Lochlen Cocoran

A grieving school community is paying tribute to 15-year-old student Lochlen Cocoran, who tragically died in hospital following an e-scooter crash on his way to school last week, with a touching memorial.

The family of 15-year-old schoolboy Lochlen Cocoran has spoken out about how loved and supported they feel by a Logan school community following the tragic death of their son.

Yarrabilba State Secondary College student Lochlen was riding his e-scooter to school on Tuesday morning, July 12, when he lost control in a tragic accident.

Despite undergoing emergency brain surgery and days of fighting for his life, he died in hospital on July 17.

15-year-old Yarrabilba State Secondary College student Lochlen Cocoran was riding his e-scooter to school on Tuesday morning, July 12, when he lost control in a tragic accident.

A memorial was held at Yarrabilba State Secondary College for the student, affectionately known as ‘Big Lok’, on July 19.

His mother, Gemma Cocoran, said the memorial had been growing at the site the accident took place.

“People laid flowers, teddies and a photo of Lochlen,” Mrs Cocoran said.

“It’s just so beautiful to know how many people my son had helped and how loved he was within the school and community.

“They have contacted me every day since the accident to check to see if I need anything and if I am OK … they are just amazing and are making sure my boy’s legacy lives on.”

15-year-old Yarrabilba State Secondary College student Lochlen Cocoran was riding his e-scooter to school on Tuesday morning, July 12, when he lost control in a tragic accident.

Mrs Cocoran said the school would also be funding a permanent plaque to remember her son by.

A Department of Education spokesman said the school had a strict policy on e-scooters and continued to provide support and guidance counsellors to students and staff in the wake of last week’s tragic incident.

“The department has sent an email to all principals about safety travelling to and from school,” he said.

“Yarrabilba SSC will continue to reinforce road safety messages with students and the school community.

Yarrabilba State Secondary College student Lochlen Cocoran was riding his e-scooter to school on Tuesday morning, July 12, when he lost control in a tragic accident.

“The school respects the privacy of the grieving family and will hold memorial activities in line with their wishes and advice.

“The school has a strong focus on student safety, and as part of this emphasis, road and helmet safety is regularly highlighted to students both in school and through letters to the community.

“Communication was sent to parents in March from the school that included extensive information on e-scooter rules.

Yarrabilba State Secondary College student Lochlen Cocoran was riding his e-scooter to school on Tuesday morning, July 12, when he lost control in a tragic accident, now a memorial has been set up at the site of the crash.

“The communication included the directive that students must be at least 16 years of age or 12 with adult supervision, and wear an approved bicycle helmet in order to ride an e-scooter.

“The school works with the Queensland Police Service to hold lessons and seminars for a range of topics including road safety.

“The incident occurred outside school grounds and prior to the start of the school day.”

The spokesman said e-scooters were not allowed inside school grounds and students could be issued with formal warnings for unsafe use of bikes, skateboards, and e-scooters.