A 15-year-old boy who survived the 2021 Hillcrest jumping castle tragedy has died in an e-bike accident in Tasmania. Lucas Reid lost control of his bike and collided with a pole on Don Heads Road near Devonport at about 7.30pm on New Year’s Eve.
Police said a nearby resident tried to help, but Mr Reid died at the scene. Inspector Nick Clark described the incident as “tragic” and said it was not yet confirmed whether Mr Reid was wearing a helmet, which was found at the scene.
Devonport mayor Alison Jarman offered condolences on behalf of the council. “It’s horrendous. It’s a tragic event … a beautiful young 15-year-old boy,” she said. “I just hope everyone out there can be kind and considerate and respectful of the situation.”
GWS Giants captain Toby Greene paid tribute to Mr Reid, describing him as a “great young man who had overcome so much” and that “his resilience and optimism really stood out”. Giants CEO David Matthews also remembered his “resilience and energy”.
Tasmanian MP Jane Howlett said the state government’s “heart goes out to Lucas’s family, his friends and his loved ones and all the Hillcrest community”. In 2021, six children died when a “mini tornado” dislodged a jumping castle at Hillcrest Primary School. The operator was found not guilty of a workplace safety charge in June last year.
Police are investigating the death and will prepare a report for the coroner.
