The incident occurred just after 2:30pm on Sunday at the reserve on Osborne Yerong Creek Road, Osborne, about 70 kilometres west of Wagga Wagga. Police say the man, in his 20s, was being towed by the quad bike when he hit a goalpost on the oval. Bystanders provided first aid before emergency services arrived, but he died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga police station for mandatory testing. He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner, and negligent driving occasioning death. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday, September 23.
The small rural community of Osborne, with a population of fewer than 30 people, is in shock. Lockhart Shire Council Mayor Peter Sharp said the two men were members of the local football club, which is central to the region's social calendar. The club's senior team had played in the Hume League grand final on Saturday, losing to Henty by six points.
“Osborne is a very tight-knit community, and it’s a profound tragedy that’s going to affect the community a great deal,” Mr Sharp said. He added that the council is working with the Murrumbidgee Health District to organise counselling for those in need of support.
Latest reports indicate the quad bike was unregistered at the time of the incident. The matter is expected to return to court later this week.