Boy, Who Survived Fatal Bouncy Castle Tragedy in 2021, Dies 4 Years Later in E-Bike Crash

A 15-year-old boy died in northern Tasmania on New Year’s Eve after his e-bike struck a pole, authorities said.

Lucas Reid was riding in Devonport when his e-bike collided with a telephone pole on Dons Head Road at about 7:30 p.m. local time on Dec. 31, according to Australian outlet 7 News.

Tasmania Police confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, stating that officers and emergency services were called to Don Heads Road just after 8 p.m. following reports of an e-bike crash. The teenage rider died at the scene.

An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing. Police said their thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones.

Reid was previously among the survivors of the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School tragedy, in which six children were killed and others seriously injured after strong winds lifted a jumping castle into the air during a school celebration in Devonport.

Following that incident, Reid spent several weeks in the hospital and required the use of a wheelchair, The Mercury reported at the time. During his recovery, he met players from the Richmond Football Club and the Greater Western Sydney Giants, including his favorite player, Toby Greene.

Greene later paid tribute to Reid, calling the news “tragic” and remembering him as a resilient and optimistic young man. He said the team had stayed in touch over the years and enjoyed seeing Reid at games, adding that the Giants family extends its deepest sympathy to the Reid family and friends.