Dennis ‘Den’ Michael

DETAILS OF DEATH

On Thursday 7 December 2017 at 1316 hours, the deceased was riding a police motorcycle, registered number 1GS458. He was travelling in an easterly direction on Julimar Road on approach to West Toodyay Road, Toodyay. The deceased was in the company of two instructors who were directly behind him participating in an advanced motor cycle training course. Emergency lights and sirens were activated and they were authorised to travel in excess of the 80km/h speed limit. It is believed they were travelling at approximately 110kn/h – 120km/h. The deceased has approached a sweeping right hand bend ands as he attempted to negotiate the bend, he was positioned close to the left edge of the road. The deceased has travelled onto the gravel verge, causing the rear of the motorcycle to swing to the left, narrowly avoiding a road marker, the rear of the motor bike has then swung back out to the right and slid down an embankment. He was flung off the motorcycle, crashing into a tree. The motorcycle continued sliding to the left of the tree coming to a rest approximately 10-15 metre away. The Police instructors who were following stopped and commenced CPR and continued until SJA and the RAC helicopter attended, further efforts were attempted however he passed away at the scene. At the time of the crash the road was sealed and dry, visibility was clear. All safety clothing and helmet were worn. The family were awarded posthumously the National Police Service Medal, The Western Australia Police Star Medal and the Western Australia Police Medal.