Adam Taranto, Lethbridge Street, Penrith: Father demands answers after his death
The devastated father of a young man killed in a crash in a suburban Penrith street on the weekend has broken his silence as mystery surrounds the cause of the crash.
Penrith
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A grieving father is demanding answers after his son died when he crashed into a pole in the middle of the Penrith CBD on the weekend.
Adam Taranto, 35, originally of Willmot, was killed when his Mitsubishi Magna hit a pole on Lethbridge St just before 3.30pm on Sunday.
Early inquiries have not ruled out self-harm, however, the man’s father, Graham, believes the cause may have been more sinister.
Mr Taranto has urged police to investigate whether his son was being chased at high speed by a man in a black Holden Commodore, which he said was spotted by witnesses fleeing the scene shortly after the crash.
“My son is not going to commit suicide,” Mr Taranto said.
“He’s got too much to live for. He’s a Catholic.”
A police spokesman said all avenues were being investigated, but was unable to comment on the specific circumstances surrounding the crash.
Crash investigators are continuing to canvass witnesses and are looking at CCTV footage obtained from the scene.
Mr Taranto said witnesses reported seeing his son’s car travelling well over 100km/h in the 50km/h street moments before he mounted the gutter and crashed into a pole, killing him instantly.
“They told me, ‘Your son was going fast enough for me to know he was running for his life’,” he said. “(The cars) were screaming.”
Admitting his son had experienced some troubles in his life, Mr Taranto said mystery clouded the death.
“I’m calling for a full coronial inquest,” he said.
“I want the truth, I don’t want speculation.
“I don’t want any part unlooked or any stone unturned.”
Mr Taranto paid tribute to his son, who he remembered as a keen fisherman and Harley Davidson motorbike enthusiast.
“He loved life,” he said.
“He loved coming up the coast and going fishing and he loved his boat.
“(His death) has crushed me. I’ve never felt anything like this before. It has ripped my heart out.”
Police from the Nepean Police Area Command are investigating the crash and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Anyone with information about the crash or has dash cam footage is urged to contact Nepean Police — 4721 9444.
Lifeline: 13 11 14