Motorcycle rider, 14, killed in Claremont crash

Update: A missing motorcycle involved in the death of a teenage boy killed on Christmas Day has been found, as friends pay tribute to the young victim.

A ‘LEGEND’ and someone who always made people smile is how a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a motorcycle crash on Christmas night has been remembered by friends.

Paramedics were called to the crash on Harbord Road at Claremont about 9:20pm on Friday.

Tasmania Police are still investigating the cause of the tragedy and why the motorbike the teen was riding was initially taken from the scene.

Flowers lay at the scene where a teenager riding a motorcycle was killed last night on Harbord Road, Claremont. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The motorcycle was surrendered at the Glenorchy Police Station late on Saturday afternoon.

“Emergency service personnel attempted CPR and first aid at the scene but unfortunately he was deceased when he arrived at hospital,” Acting Inspector Stewart Cashion said.

“It’s terrible and shocking that a 14-year-old has lost his life on Christmas Day.

“Our condolences go out to the family of the child.”

Flowers lay at the scene where a teenager riding a motorcycle was killed last on Harbord Road, Claremont. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Insp Cashion said it was extremely serious that the bike was taken before emergency services arrived.

“This particular motorcycle obviously has key points that investigators need to piece together for the family, for the coroner, for closure as to what actually occurred,” he said.

Tasmanian Police crash investigators attend the scene where a teenager riding a motorcycle was killed last night on Harbord Road, Claremont. Picture: Zak Simmonds

He said it appeared the boy had not been wearing a helmet and he urged anyone with information to contact police.

“We want information about what occurred from members of the public to try to piece it together for closure for this family,” Insp Cashion said.

“We believe that he (the victim) knew people close to the area and that he had been visiting friends prior to the accident. Our information doesn’t suggest anyone else was involved in the crash.”

Tasmanian Police crash investigators attend the scene where a teenager riding a motorcycle was killed last night on Harbord Road, Claremont. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Friends of the boy expressed disbelief online at the tragedy.

“I’m going to miss you more than words will ever be able to explain. It honestly doesn’t feel real, I thought you’d live forever,” one friend wrote on Facebook.

“Big RIP to this legend, always making people smile,” another posted.

Another post read: “You were taken way (too) young mate and now knowing that I won’t be able to speak to you again kills me”.

Insp Cashion pleaded with other youngsters who were keen to ride a bike to do so safely.

“This is an example of what could actually happen. It you want to ride a motorbike, make sure it’s supervised, make sure it’s on a proper track and the proper instruction is given,” he said.

“We remind all road users to modify their driving behaviour to make sure it keeps them safe and other road users safe. Wear your seatbelts, don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, don’t use your phone and if you’re tired, rest – don’t drive.”

Tasmania’s road toll is 36 for the year, compared with 27 by December 29 last year and 32 for all of 2019.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crash Investigation Services on 131 444.

Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at

crimestoppers.com.au.

Tasmanian Police crash investigators attend the scene where a teenager riding a motorcycle was killed last night on Harbord Road, Claremont. Picture: Zak Simmonds