A notorious high-ranking member of the Nomads motorcycle gang has died following a suspected medical episode after he was found collapsed in his home.
Former president Brad Bowtell, 40, suddenly collapsed at his home on Madden Parade in Singleton Heights, west of Newcastle in New South Wales, at around 11.30pm on Sunday.
Paramedics took the 40-year-old man to hospital, but he did not survive.
Bowtell had long been the face of the Nomads and a key figure in the club’s war against rival gang the Finks.
Underworld sources said Bowtell’s death was a huge blow to the club and its members.
Former Nomads president Brad Bowtell (pictured) died following a suspected medical episode at his home.
“He’s basically been the face of the Nomads in Newcastle for a decade, controlling everything and attracting guys,” they told the Daily Telegraph.
“This will be devastating for them.”
Bowtell made headlines during the violent war between the Nomads and the Finks, which devastated the Hunter region in 2018.
The gang’s attacks, including a drive-by attack on Bowtell’s home, led to New South Wales Police issuing serious crime prevention orders against him and other members of both gangs.
Police accused Botwell, as well as several other gang members, of participating in a criminal group.
While being sentenced on those charges in the New South Wales District Court, Bowtell revealed how he was tempted to join the illegal club.
Heavily tattooed Bowtell explained he had no criminal record when he joined the Nomads’ Newcastle arm in 2014.
He explained that the lure of a flashier life, which included being surrounded by pretty women, prompted him to join.
The 40-year-old joined Nomads in 2014 after being attracted to the flashy lifestyle and quickly rose through the ranks.
“Some members of the club approached me in the gym for several weeks, even months,” Bowtell told the court at the time.
‘They kept approaching me about going out with them and going to social events.
‘From there, they kind of put it in front of me, coming together. “They painted a picture that it was going to be a good thing, but in the end it wasn’t.”
Bowtell quickly rose through the ranks of the gang, stating that his imposing physical figure aided in his advancement.