How a young motorbike rider's 'escape from reality' turned to tragedy in fatal police chase
Bradley Wilder, 20, died on impact after losing control of his bike and falling off near Newcastle CBD, in NSW, on Saturday night.
Police initially tried to intercept Mr Wilder on King Street in Hamilton at 7.30pm as his motorbike did not appear to have number plates.
Instead of pulling over Mr Wilder sped off through a number of suburbs as police followed in close pursuit. Witnesses said they saw the motorbike travelling at a tremendous speed during the chase.
Mr Wilder led police south along the Pacific Highway at Charlestown before he fatally hit a traffic pole five minutes into the chase and was declared dead at the scene.
His cousin, Monique, said he was usually a 'safe rider' and could not figure out what would have prompted him to flee.
'Bradley was such a soft spoken, well-behaved and respectful young man towards absolutely everyone he crossed paths with,' she said.
He told her that his work as a delivery driver, gym and riding his motorbike were his treasured escape from reality.
She said her cousin bought his latest bike only two months ago.
'I have [sic] drove with him a few times he has ridden his bike since purchasing it.
'He has always been such a safe rider so for all this speculation and knowing him as the person he is it is definitely out of character for him.
'I'm so very heart broken, my baby cousin taken way too soon under such avoidable circumstances.
'One wrong mistake and it cost him his life, which he did not deserve at all.'
Mr Wilder was also the sole carer for his ill father, Craig, who is expected to undergo a lung transplant in Sydney, after which Mr Wilder was supposed to be around to provide care.
His family have since posted a number of tributes on social media remembering the 'soft spoken, well-behaved and respectful' man they knew.
Police declared a critical incident following Mr Wilder's death.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell could not confirm the speed but said Mr Wilder was 'definitely speeding'.
Although police initially believed Mr Wilder's bike did not have any plates Assistant Commissioner Waddell said they were simply obscured.
'This is a tragic set of circumstances,' he said.
The police officers who attended the scene were 'obviously traumatised', he added.
A crime scene has since been established and a critical incident team has begun its investigation.
The investigation will also be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Anyone who has dashcam footage or CCTV footage or the pursuit has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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