April 19, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A 19-year-old man was tragically found dead on the side of the Brooker Highway near Montrose , in Hobart’s northern suburbs, in the early hours of Saturday, April 19, 2025 , at approximately 4:00 am . An autopsy revealed he sustained serious head injuries and was “likely” struck by a vehicle.

Following an investigation, Tasmania Police seized a truck on Sunday, April 20 , which is believed to be connected to the incident. Inspector Jason Klug stated that the young man may have been squatting on the roadside in dark clothing in an unlit area when he was struck by the truck.

The truck driver is assisting with inquiries, and authorities are examining forensic evidence, including CCTV footage, to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.

Location and Time

  • Discovery Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025 (approximately 4:00 am).
  • Location: South-bound lanes of the Brooker Highway near Montrose Bay High School, Hobart, Tasmania.

Details of the Incident

  • A routine patrol discovered the body of the 19-year-old man lying on the roadside near the south-bound lanes of the Brooker Highway.
  • First responders provided CPR, but the man could not be revived.
  • An autopsy conducted later confirmed the man had sustained serious head injuries and was “likely” struck by a vehicle.
  • Police believe the man had spent the night out with friends in Hobart before returning home. He reportedly left his house again at around **3:00 am** for a walk.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality: A 19-year-old man died after sustaining serious head injuries likely caused by being struck by a vehicle.

Emergency Response

  • First responders, including police and paramedics, attended the scene and attempted CPR, but the man was pronounced deceased.
  • The south-bound lanes of the Brooker Highway were closed during the morning of April 19 to allow for investigations, including forensic examinations and crash reconstruction.
  • Access to the **Montrose Foreshore** was also temporarily restricted to the public.

Police Investigation
The Tasmania Police Major Crash Unit and other investigative teams, including forensics and the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), are leading the inquiry into the incident. Key areas of focus include:

  • The sequence of events leading to the collision, including whether the young man was squatting on the roadside.
  • Road conditions, lighting, and visibility at the location during the early morning hours.
  • Potential factors such as speed, distraction, or failure to see the pedestrian due to dark clothing and lack of lighting.

“While it remains early in our investigation, at this stage information suggests the young man was squatting on the roadside, wearing dark clothing in an unlit area of the highway when he was not seen by the driver and struck by the truck.”
— Inspector Jason Klug, Tasmania Police

Authorities have seized the truck believed to be involved and are conducting forensic examinations of the vehicle and available CCTV footage. The truck driver is cooperating with investigators.

Appeal for Information
Tasmania Police are appealing to the public for assistance in piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy. Anyone with information, particularly drivers who were in the area around 4:00 am on April 19, is urged to come forward.

  • Contact Details: Call Tasmania Police on 131 444.
  • Anonymous Reporting: Report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.
  • Authorities are particularly interested in dashcam footage or CCTV recordings from the Brooker Highway area at the time of the incident.

“If you were a driver in the area at the time and noticed anything of note, no matter how small, please reach out and contact police so we can investigate.”
— Detective Inspector Mark Burke, Tasmania Police

Community Impact
Detective Inspector Mark Burke described the incident as a “tragic situation” and extended condolences to the family and friends of the young man. The death has highlighted the dangers pedestrians face on major highways, particularly in unlit areas and when wearing dark clothing.