Community in mourning after Australia Day tragedy
A decision to borrow a friend’s motorbike to ‘duck around the corner’ for supplies has cost a young New South Wales man his life.
Wayne Miles was having drinks with friends at his Lake Macquarie home on the eve of his favourite day of the year, Australia Day, when he took his mates Honda CBR250R to get Panadol for his girlfriend.
The 29-year-old did not have a license to drive the vehicle.
Police say around 12.15 am (AEST), Wayne hit a kerb and mounted the footpath, before colliding with a sign post.
His body was thrown on the roadway, where he was discovered by passing motorists.
Wayne was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition but died early on Monday morning.
Hours later, grieving family and friends gathered at a local sports club to pay tribute to a “top-notch bloke" taken too soon.
Wayne’s father, Dave, honoured his son.
"He loved life. I can't believe this happened on Australia Day because of the one day every year this was it,” he said.
"Australia Day was Wayne's day."
Authorities believe alcohol and speed may have been factors in the crash.
Morning news break - January 27
