‘Profound loss’: Councillor remembers Cairns police officer and mountain bike rider, Frank Falappi

A Cairns councillor has paid tribute to a dedicated community volunteer and police officer, who died suddenly while riding his mountain bike along a challenging trail late last week.

Cairns Regional Council Division 8 councillor Rhonda Coghlan has honoured the memory of the late Frank Falappi, 57, at the council's ordinary meeting. Mr Falappi was the son of former Division 8 councilor Jesse Richardson. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Cairns councillor has paid tribute to a dedicated community volunteer and police officer, who died suddenly while riding his mountain bike along a challenging trail late last week.

Division Eight councillor Rhonda Coghlan fought back tears at this week’s ordinary meeting, acknowledging the death of Frank Falappi, who had been traversing the Stingers route at the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park on Friday morning when paramedics responded to calls for help.

The son of former councillor, Jessie Richardson, was believed to be training for the UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships when the accident occurred.

“It is with heavy hearts that we wish to honour the life of a beloved father, husband, son and brother whose life was taken much too soon last week,” Ms Coghlan said.

“Frank touched the lives of many through his passion, dedication and unwavering spirit.

“A committed mountain biker and former president of the Cairns Mountain Bike Club, he was instrumental in shaping our local trails and the wider biking community.

“His efforts have left a lasting mark, ensuring future generations can enjoy the spaces he helped create.”

Frank Falappi holding his 'fatbike' in preparation for his trek across the Simpson Desert in 2015. Picture: QPS

In addition to being a dedicated volunteer, Mr Falappi served the Queensland Police Service with distinction.

“He approached his work with integrity and compassion, always striving to make a difference and build strong connections within the communities he served,” Ms Coghlan said.

“Many of us came to know Frank through his proud and devoted mother, Jessie Richardson … and Jessie often spoke of Frank with immense pride and her love for him was known to all who knew her.

“His passing is a profound loss to our community. We remember him with deep respect, sincere gratitude and heartfelt sorrow.”

In 2015, the former sergeant swapped the patrol car for a specialised bike, taking on an arduous 590km, five-day trek over gruelling sand dunes along the Simpson Desert.

“I do every hill through Whitfield and Edge Hill, then Stratford, Freshwater, Rainforest Estate and at the back of Redlynch,” Mr Falappi said at the time.

“Other days I’ll do rolling hills like Black Mountain Rd, the Gillies or Copperlode three times.”

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Originally published as ‘Profound loss’: Councillor remembers Cairns police officer and mountain bike rider, Frank Falappi