Oatlands: Newnham man dead, teen driver injured in crash

Tasmania Police say they believe alcohol and speed were both factors in a horror rollover on Saturday night involving a 20-year-old and a teenage driver. Read the tributes.

Newnham man Caleb Bowman, 20. Picture: Facebook

UPDATED 4.30pm: The 20-year-old Newnham man who lost his life in a horror rollover in the Southern Midlands on Saturday night has been identified as Caleb Bowman.

Mr Bowman was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an 18-year-old man, also from Newnham, which left the roadway on Inglewood Rd, Oatlands, about 7pm.

Northern Rangers Football Club, where Mr Bowman played, put out a statement on Facebook paying tribute to their charismatic champion.

“He always had a smile on his face, and would say things that would make others laugh,” coach Rowan Pooley said.

“I never heard anyone say a bad word about him, he is loved by everyone, and will be sorely missed by all.”

Mr Bowman joined the Rangers as a teenager after playing for North Launceston Eagles juniors. He was part of the Ranger U18 team that won the title in 2020 and played in the Northern Tasmanian Football Association’s Division 1 team.

The club is offering support to affected players and supporters.

Newnham man Caleb Bowman, 20. Picture: Facebook

Mowbray Little Athletics Club also remembered its cheeky former athlete.

“Caleb was an outstanding and dedicated athlete who made many friendships with his fellow athletes due to his fun and outgoing nature,” the club said.

Mr Bowman’s friend Imogen Doolan was shattered by the news.

“The world is so cruel. Fly high beautiful boy, we will all miss you so, so much,” she said.

EARLIER: A young Launceston man is dead while his teenage driver was transported to hospital with minor injuries after a horror rollover in the Midlands overnight.

Tasmania Police say they believe alcohol and speed were both factors.

At 7pm Saturday, Tasmania Police and emergency services were alerted to a single motor vehicle crash on Inglewood Rd, Oatlands, involving a Subaru Forester.

It appeared that the driver of the vehicle, who was travelling east, lost control on the gravel road, left the road, rolled and collided with a tree, police said.

Upon arrival, police established that a front seat passenger, a 20-year-old man from Newnham had died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, an 18-year old-man, also from Newnham, was admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital with minor injuries.

Oatlands Police, SES personnel, Forensic Services and Crash Investigation Services attended the crash scene.

Preliminary investigations indicate that speed and alcohol were factors in the crash, police said.

Speaking on Sunday morning about the incident, Detective Acting Inspector Michael Foster said the driver was able to free himself from the wreckage and hail for help at a nearby residence.

“It’s a reminder for people to be aware of the ‘fatal five’... make good choices,” he said.

A/Inspector Foster said the family of the deceased had been notified.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.