Man dies in daredevil ride

A 22-year-old Umina resident has died after what police have described as a "tragic accident" involving a wheelie bin daredevil ride down Lone Pine Ave on April 18.

Popular local surfer and skateboarder Mr John Peake suffered serious injuries along with his friend Mr Sean Gale, 19, also of Umina, when the wheelie bin they shared to joy ride down a steep hill struck the gutter.

It is believed Mr Peake struck a small tree in the accident and suffered massive head injuries while Mr Gale received broken ribs and internal injuries.

The two men were treated initially by a group of their friends until the arrival of emergency services around 3am however Mr Peake could not be revived.

Mr Gale was taken to Gosford Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Police have reported that leading up to the accident one man, who rode solo on a wheelie bin, completed the descent down Lone Pine Ave but realised his two mates had not arrived at the bottom of the hill.

"The man ran back up the hill and found his two friends seriously injured," police said.

"Investigators believe that while one man lay on the bin, the second was on top of him, but they struck the gutter as they continued with their descent."

Following the incident, police closed Lone Pine Ave for some hours while investigators pursued their inquiries.

A report outlining the full circumstances of Mr Peake's death will be prepared for the Coroner.

Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein has described the accident as a "senseless loss of life".

"How do you try to come to terms with such a tragic accident," Cr Holstein said.

"This sends a very strong message out to our children to think twice before doing something that could lead to a loss of life.

"It is also a reminder for young people who are out drinking to look after each other and remind themselves that they aren't invincible."

Website, 18 Apr 2010 NSW Police Website Clare Graham, 20 Apr 2010 Interviewee: Cr Chris Holstein, Gosford Council