The family of a Dunghutti teenager who died after a collision with an unmarked police car in Sydney’s south is calling for an independent investigation into the incident.
Jai Wright, described by his father Lachlan Wright as a “proud Dunghutti boy since the time he was born”, died on Sunday afternoon at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
NITV News has been given permission by the family to use his name and image.
The 16-year-old sustained severe head injuries after he collided with an unmarked police car whilst riding a trail bike at the intersection of Henderson and Mitchell roads in Eveleigh just after 7:30 am on Saturday.
He was treated on-site by NSW Ambulance paramedics and was taken to RPA Hospital in a critical condition.
Jai Wright was remembered by his family as a "loving boy". Source: Supplied
The details around the incident remain unclear, as the Wright family says they've been briefed with conflicting accounts.
In a public statement, NSW Police said officers from the Inner West Police Area Commanded sighted two suspected stolen vehicles, a black Mercedes and a blue 2019 Sherco trail bike near the intersection of Enmore Road and King Street in Newtown at around 7 am.
Jai, who was travelling on the bike, was last seen by those officers turning right onto Sydney Park Road in Alexandria. Shortly after, at 7:35 am, he “collided with an unmarked police vehicle” and was “ejected from the bike”.
NSW Police declared the critical incident on Saturday, and notified the Law Enforcement Conduct Committee (LECC) who will conduct a review.
The boy's father fronted media today alongside family and called for an independent investigation into his son’s death.
Lachlan Wright alongside his family speaking to media. Source: Supplied
“Any parents want to know how their little boy has died," Mr Wright said.
"That is why we’re calling for an entirely independent inquiry away from police, so that we get to know why and how our little boy died."
Mr Wright said the family felt disrespected by NSW Police, and have been provided with inconsistent information.
He described a meeting with a police officer on Saturday morning, “not long” after they were informed of the tragic news.
"He told us in his own words that an unmarked police car turned in front of Jai, and Jai had a collision with that police car," said Mr Wright.
“We felt like he was being honest and we trusted him."
However later the same day, Mr Wright said an investigating police officer met with the family and gave a differing account.
“He told us... the police car was [already] parked there. Jai lost control of his bike and ran into the police car,” he said.
“We’ve seen footage [and] photos of that police car and we just don't see how that works. The police car was in an unnatural position.”
The family requested footage of the event, but were denied. They have not been contacted by NSW Police since Sunday.
“They told us it was going to be a few more days before they will share his complete investigation. We felt disrespected... We've had nothing from them since that since that second meeting,” Mr Wright said.
“All I know is that... that’s my kid. I’m never going to see him again after today.
"We just want to know the truth and then we’ll be fine with that.”
Mr Wright said Jai’s family will remember him fondly, as their “pretty boy”.
“No one had a bad thing to say about him, he was very lively, always up for a joke. He was our loving boy,” said Mr Wright.
“We'll never move on without Jai. He will always be there with us and in our thoughts every day."
Mr Wright asked any witnesses on the scene to come forward with information that may help piece together what happened to his son.
The second teenager involved in the incident, who was driving the black Mercedes, was arrested on Progress Road in Eveleigh and taken to Newtown Police Station.
He was charged with several offences, including aggravated breaking and entering, and stealing a motor vehicle.
