BREAKING NEWS: trainer Blames Himself for Player’s Death at Devonport Magistrates Court Inquest

Devonport, TAS – A heartbreaking admission echoed through the Devonport Magistrates Court today as trainer Anthony Sharman expressed deep regret over the death of a young player, Mr. Hubbard. Sharman, who possessed first aid training, revealed he believed mr. Hubbard required immediate ambulance attention.

However, the young athlete reportedly refused hospitalization, leading to no triple-0 call being made. Sharman confessed to the court,”I think I could’ve done more for Brady than what I did. I should’ve rung an ambulance.” The trainer also noted that another individual, Andrew, had altered his account of the events in the two years since Mr.Hubbard’s passing.

Cameron, responding to questions, acknowledged relaying different versions of events to others at the club but could not provide a reason for these discrepancies. Andrew also conveyed concerns about potential police charges, stating his willingness to accept responsibility and even face jail time if found culpable. He vehemently denied fabricating details about Mr. Hubbard’s injury or spreading rumors about his mental health to shift blame.

The inquest, which began earlier, is anticipated to conclude today, with formal findings to be released at a later date.

What specific vehicle modifications where identified as perhaps contributing to the increased risk of ejection in Brady Hubbard’s case?

Brady Hubbard’s Fatal Ute Ejection: Inquest Reveals Details

the incident & Initial Reports

The tragic death of Brady hubbard, a 28-year-old man, following an ejection from a ute (utility vehicle) in rural Queensland, Australia, has been the subject of intense scrutiny. An inquest, concluded on July 16, 2025, has released detailed findings regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Initial reports indicated the incident occurred on the night of June 22, 2025, near Miles, Queensland, during a recreational off-road driving excursion. Hubbard was a passenger in a Nissan Navara ute when the vehicle reportedly hit a washaway, leading to his ejection. emergency services arrived at the scene, but Hubbard was pronounced dead.The investigation focused on factors contributing to the ejection, including vehicle modifications, speed, and passenger safety measures.

Key Findings from the Inquest

The inquest revealed several critical details contributing to the fatal accident. these findings center around a combination of vehicle factors, driver actions, and the lack of adequate safety precautions.

Vehicle Modifications: The Nissan Navara involved had been significantly modified with a lift kit and larger tires. The inquest heard testimony suggesting these modifications altered the vehicle’s center of gravity and handling characteristics,potentially increasing the risk of rollover or ejection. Experts testified that the modifications hadn’t been professionally assessed for safety compliance.

speed and Driving Conditions: Evidence presented indicated the ute was traveling at a speed estimated between 80-90 km/h on a dirt track with known washaways. Witnesses stated the driver, a 32-year-old male, was familiar with the terrain but the conditions were challenging due to recent rainfall and reduced visibility.

Lack of Restraints: Crucially, the inquest confirmed that Brady Hubbard was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the ejection. While not legally mandated for passengers in the rear of utes in Queensland at the time of the incident (legislation changes are now being debated – see section below), the lack of restraint was deemed a notable contributing factor to the severity of his injuries.

Washaway Impact: Forensic analysis of the scene confirmed the ute struck a significant washaway, causing the vehicle to become airborne momentarily. This impact, combined with the vehicle’s modifications and Hubbard’s lack of restraint, resulted in his ejection.

Driver’s Actions: The driver cooperated fully with the investigation and provided a detailed account of the events.He expressed deep remorse and stated he was unaware Hubbard wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. No evidence suggested the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Previous Regulations: Prior to July 1, 2025, Queensland law did not require passengers in the rear of utes to wear seatbelts, a loophole often exploited by those engaged in recreational off-road driving.

New Legislation (Effective July 1, 2025): Following public outcry and advocacy from road safety groups, Queensland Parliament passed legislation mandating seatbelt use for all passengers in all vehicles, including utes. Penalties for non-compliance include fines and demerit points.

Vehicle Modification Standards: The inquest also highlighted the need for stricter regulations regarding vehicle modifications. The Queensland Department of Transport is currently reviewing standards to ensure modifications are assessed for safety and compliance before being permitted. This includes potential mandatory inspections and certification processes.

Ute Rollover Risk: Utes, particularly those with lift kits, have a higher center of gravity, increasing the risk of rollover accidents. Understanding these risks is crucial for safe operation.

Ejection Statistics: Statistics consistently demonstrate that individuals ejected from vehicles are significantly more likely to suffer fatal injuries than those who remain inside.

Force Distribution: Seatbelts distribute the force of an impact across the stronger parts of the body, reducing the risk of serious injury.

Preventing Contact: They prevent occupants from colliding with the interior of the vehicle or being ejected altogether.

* Ute-Specific Considerations: The open cabin design of many utes, combined with potential modifications, makes seatbelt use even more critical.

Practical Tips for Ute Safety

To minimize the risk of accidents and ensure passenger safety when operating a ute, consider the following:

1. Always Wear a Seatbelt: Nonetheless of seating position or the nature of the journey, ensure all occupants are properly restrained.
2. Regular vehicle Maintenance: Maintain your ute in good working order, including tires, brakes, and suspension.
3. Professional Modification Assessment: If modifying your ute, consult with a qualified mechanic to ensure modifications are safe and compliant with regulations.
4. Adjust Speed to Conditions: Reduce speed when driving on dirt tracks, especially after rain or in low