Brit cop and Wanted Down Under star dies after slicing artery in freak fall during engagement party in front of family
A BRIT cop and Wanted Down Under star has died after a freak fall during his own engagement bash.
Police constable Liam Trimmer and his fiancee had gathered with friends and family to celebrate the big news in Western Australia.
But a freak fall during the festivities saw the 29-year-old cut the carotid artery in his neck, causing heavy bleeding.
Desperate friends and family rushed to try and save Liam, but he was declared dead before emergency services could arrive.
The exact cause of his deadly neck injury and the precise location of the incident is not yet known.
A coroner’s statement regarding the cop’s death is expected in the coming days.
Liam featured in the BBC series Wanted Down Under, giving a teenager advice on life in Australia before they migrated.
He moved from the UK to Australia when he was still a teenager, later graduating from Joondalup Police Academy.
The Brit then joined the gang crime squad and tactical response group, where he built his career as an exemplary officer.
In 2017, Liam moved to Kalgoorlie – some 370 miles east of Perth – where he became a prominent member of the community while playing for the local rugby team.
He has been remembered by his colleagues at the WA Police Union as an “extraordinary officer” and a “valued member of the blue family”.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch, for Western Australia Police Commissioner, said: “Everything was done to try and save him and it wasn’t to be, and I know everyone that was involved are really hurting.
“I think they wish they could just wake up from this nightmare.”
“This extraordinary officer loved helping the community and was a fine example of WA policing and it’s just such a tragedy,” Mr Blanch said.
“[He was] a very, very confident, capable young man with his whole life ahead of him, and that’s how sad this is.
“It’s important now for us to wrap around each other, to lean on each other.”
Union President Paul Gale added: “Every time a death occurs for a police officer, it doesn’t matter how, it really does rock the core of the police family.”
WA’s Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti described Liam’s death as an “awful, awful tragedy”.
She said: “As I understand it, this police officer came over from the UK to start a new life in WA.
“My condolences go out to the family and friends of that particular officer.”
A police spokesperson told The West Australian: “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.”