The circumstances surrounding the death of a mountain biker who was visiting Tasmania for a holiday at the Maydena Bike Park have been revealed in a new coronial report.
James Edward MacPherson, 29, lost his life at the park on March 11, 2022, while riding an intermediate trail at a speed of about 40km/h, accompanied by two friends and two of one of the friends’ young sons.
In her findings, Coroner Olivia McTaggart said MacPherson was an experienced mountain biker who had purchased his own safety gear for the trip, including gloves, knee pads, goggles and a new helmet.
McTaggart said MacPherson most likely fell off his bike when his front wheel turned 90 degrees as he attempted to negotiate a left-hand bend, causing him to be thrown over the handlebars.
“The fact that Mr MacPherson was seen immediately following the crash lying face down and the bike some distance from him supports this being the most probable cause of the crash,” she said.
An off-duty paramedic who worked at the park attended the scene and inserted a wheel spoke into MacPherson’s chest under a doctor’s guidance in an attempt to stop air accumulating between his chest wall and lung.
Despite the efforts of the paramedic and other riders who provided first aid, MacPherson later went into cardiac arrest and was unable to be revived.
The coroner determined that MacPherson died from severe blunt trauma, including bleeding, to his chest and lungs and concluded that there were no issues with his bike or the trail itself.
“I make no criticism of the Maydena Bike Park in respect of any issue connected with Mr MacPherson’s death,” McTaggart said.
“Important safety precautions whilst mountain bike riding include using a properly maintained bike, appropriate protective equipment and riding on trails suited to the rider’s ability.”
“However, by the nature of the sport, the rider accepts that there is risk of injury and, occasionally, death.”
“I convey my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr MacPherson.”
