The family of a 16-year-old boy who died after his trail bike collided with an unmarked police car in Sydney is calling for an independent inquiry into the incident. Jai Wright, an Indigenous teenager, suffered fatal head injuries in the crash in Alexandria on Saturday morning and died in hospital the following day.
Jai's father, Lachlan Wright, said police provided inconsistent accounts of the crash. Initially, officers told the family that the unmarked police car had turned in front of Jai, causing the collision. Later that day, police said there was no pursuit and that the police car was parked when Jai lost control and hit it.
“We’ve been given inconsistent information by police as to what caused our child’s death,” Mr Wright said outside Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Monday. “Any parent wants to know how their little boy has died. That is why we are calling for entirely independent inquiry away from the police.”
New South Wales Police have launched a critical incident investigation into the crash, which will be subject to an independent review. However, the family feels disrespected and wants to know if Jai was being pursued at the time. Police allege the bike was seen near Enmore Road and King Street in Newtown around 7am on Saturday before the crash at 7.35am.
Jai, a former International Grammar School student, had recently started an electrical apprenticeship. His father described him as a “bright and lively boy” who got along with everyone. The family is urging anyone with information or CCTV footage to come forward.
