Teen killed in suburban trail bike crash

The older sister of a teenager who died in a trail bike crash in Tasmania’s north has described him as “one in a million”, as his mate remains in hospital with injuries. LATEST >>

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The older sister of a teenager who died following a trail bike accident in Tasmania’s north has described him as “one in a million”.

Kane Leary, 17, and another 16-year-old were taken to Launceston General Hospital on Thursday evening in a critical condition after the Yamaha trail bike they were travelling on collided with a Holden Colorado on Tompsons Lane at the intersection of Franmaree Rd at Newnham.

Kane Leary when he was a younger child. Picture: supplied

His life support machine was turned off on Sunday evening.

Christie-Lee Henderson said the loss of her brother was devastating.

“Everyone that knew Kane loved him – he was so special to everyone,” she said.

Family and friends have flooded social media with tributes including: “Rest In Peace Kane, another young one taken way too soon” and “little buddy fly high mate we all will miss you brother”.

Initial investigations by police indicated the bike was not fitted with any lights, the riders were wearing dark and non-protective clothing, and neither was wearing a helmet.

Police said the visibility of the bike is believed to be a contributing factor to the crash.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Ms Henderson to assist the family.

Kane Leary. Photo: Facebook

‘Fly high mate’: Tributes for teen killed in trail bike crash

Family and friends have paid tribute to Kane Leary, the teenager who tragically died after a trail bike crash in Tasmania’s north.

One tribute posted to social media read: “Rest In Peace Kane, another young one taken way too soon. You were always there making sure everyone around you was okay, such a big heart. So sorry this happened to you mate.”

Others said: “Rip little buddy fly high mate we all will miss you brother,” and “forever in our hearts and never forgotten.”

Friends have described him as “a great guy” who “will be loved and missed by all of us.”

Tasmania Police confirmed on Monday a 17-year-old male had died after the crash in Newnham on Thursday night.

“Our condolences are with the family and friends of those affected,” a statement from police read.

On Thursday evening, police confirmed two teenage boys were taken to hospital in a critical condition after being thrown from a trail bike after a crash with another vehicle near Launceston.

Police responded about 6pm to the collision involving a white Holden Colorado and an unregistered Yamaha trail bike on Tompsons Lane at the intersection of Franmaree Rd at Newnham.

As a result of the crash, the 17-year-old rider from Mayfield and 16-year-old pillion passenger from Newnham were thrown from the bike and received significant injuries.

They were taken by ambulance to the Launceston General Hospital.

Initial investigations by police indicated the bike was not fitted with any lights, the riders were wearing dark and non-protective clothing, and neither was wearing a helmet.

The visibility of the bike is believed to be a contributing factor to the crash, police said.

The driver of the Colorado, a 41-year-old man from Newnham, was uninjured and was taken to the LGH for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

Police will not disclose the result of that test.

“The crash investigation is ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the coroner,” a police spokeswoman said.

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Originally published as Teen killed in suburban trail bike crash