A British police officer living in Australia has died after a freak accident.
Liam Trimmer was celebrating his engagement with his new fiancee, a nurse, in Western Australia when he fell and cut a carotid artery in his neck on Sunday, local media reported.
Carotid arteries are major blood vessels that provide the brain’s blood supply.
It is believed family and friends tried to save the 29-year-old’s life, but he died before emergency services arrived.
Liam Trimmer
An inquest has been opened.
Mr Trimmer had emigrated from the UK to Australia in 2013 and later graduated from Western Australia’s (WA) police academy. He was a senior constable with the force.
He moved to the outback mining town of Kalgoorlie, around 370 miles east of Perth, in 2017 and was a member of the force’s gang crime squad and tactical response group.
The officer also took part in a BBC programme Wanted Down Under, which followed British families who were considering emigrating to Australia.
He was filmed giving a British teenager advice on what to expect if her family relocated.
Col Blanch, the commissioner of Western Australia police, told a Perth radio station: “Everything was done to try and save him, but it wasn’t to be.
“I know everyone that was involved are really, really hurting. I think they wish they could just wake up from this nightmare.”
Liam Trimmer on the BBC programme Wanted Down Under. Pic: Western Australia Police/BBC
He described Mr Trimmer as “a very confident, capable young man with his whole life ahead of him”.
“This extraordinary officer – loved helping the community [and] was a fine example of WA policing and it’s such a tragedy,” he added.
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Western Australia Police told Sky News: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to his family and colleagues. Our Health, Welfare and Safety Division will provide support to those impacted by this tragedy.”
The state’s police union also paid tribute to Mr Trimmer.
This tragedy is a reminder that life is precious and can be taken away in an instant. We should all cherish our loved ones while we still have them.
I find it hard to believe that this was a freak accident. There must be more to the story.
Well, at least he died happy.
This is a terrible tragedy. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim. I hope they can find some comfort in this difficult time.
I don’t buy the official story. This was a hit job, I’m sure of it.
How could this happen? This is a disgrace! The venue should be held accountable for not taking proper safety precautions.
Congratulations to the happy couple! I’m sure they’ll have many happy years together…in the afterlife.
It’s important to remember that even minor head injuries can be fatal. If you or someone you know experiences a head injury, please seek medical attention immediately.
Hey, on the bright side, at least he won’t have to pay for the wedding.
I guess you could say he had a head-on collision with fate.
This is an outrage! Why wasn’t there a paramedic on standby at such a large event?
Well, there’s one way to make sure you don’t get cold feet on your wedding day.
I can’t believe Sam is gone. He was such a wonderful person. I will miss him so much.
I’m afraid that accidents like this are not uncommon. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in adults over the age of 65.
Another senseless tragedy. How many more people have to die before we take safety seriously?