A police pursuit and a fatal crash into a tree: Two dead after a grim night on NSW roads
A man who posted videos to social media of himself riding at high speeds has died in a shocking crash after a brief police pursuit.
Police & Courts
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A motorbike influencer who regularly posted himself riding at high speeds has died in a shocking crash after a brief police pursuit through Newcastle.
Bradley Wilder, 20, was killed when his bike collided with a pole on the Pacific Highway at Charlestown on Saturday night, not long after a Raptor Squad vehicle had initiated a pursuit.
Police said they had received reports of a motorbike speeding near King St in the heart of the CBD without a number plate just after 7.30pm, before they pursued it for some eight kilometres, until the shocking crash.
Police and paramedics administered CPR at the scene, but Mr Wilder could not be revived.
Police later revealed that the bike was registered, and did have a number plate, but it was obscured from the sight of police.
Tributes have flowed on his social media accounts, including his TikTok account, where Mr Wilder would regularly post videos of him riding his beloved motorcycle captured using an action camera.
Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said police had launched a critical investigation as part of their standard procedures whenever officers are involved in an investigation or pursuit, that ultimately leads to a fatality.
“We have commenced a critical incident investigation, which will be conducted by the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, with assistance from the crash investigation unit,” Asst Comm Waddell said.
“This investigation will be overseen by our professional standards command and the law enforcement commission.”
The Assistant Commissioner described the incident as “tragic” and said the “traumatised” officers and the victims family will receive the necessary support.
“It’s a tragic situation. We’ve got a young, 20-year-old man who has passed away, and obviously, his family are suffering and are traumatised, as are our police officers,” Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
“We will continue to work with the family and support them.”
Police also initiated another pursuit with another motorbike believed to be racing nearby, but the chase was later terminated, with police now appealing for information on the identity of that rider.
Later that same night in Sydney’s west, a man believed to be in his 30s died after the vehicle he was a passenger in crashed into a tree.
Police and ambulance crews attended the scene of the crash on Carlisle Ave at Hebersham just after 12:30pm, where the driver was treated for injuries before being transported to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition.
His passenger was announced dead at the scene, and is yet to be formally identified.
Crime scenes have been established at both sites, with police still inquiring on both incidents.
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