Soccer star charged after car crash after family funeral as police claim player fled vehicle after crash

Tyler Brockman has been charged following a car crash in WA’s midwest, with the West Coast Eagles recruit and former Hawthorn star set to face court in July.

Brockman, 21, who signed with the Eagles at the end of 2023, allegedly fled the scene of the accident on foot on May 4, with no other vehicles involved, before returning later to remove the involved Ford Ranger utility vehicle.

The AFL club confirmed he was involved in the crash in Geraldton on Saturday morning, where he had attended a family funeral on Friday.

WA Police have since charged the striker with reckless driving, failing to report an incident where property was damaged and failing to stop after the incident.

“Officers from the Highway Policing Division have charged a 21-year-old man in relation to a road traffic incident which occurred on Saturday 4 May 2024 at Wandina,” read a statement from WA Police on Sunday. .

‘At around 12:50am, a Ford Ranger van collided with a light pole while attempting to negotiate a roundabout at the intersection of Verita Road, Ackland Road and Abraham Street.

«As a result of the accident, the light pole collapsed at the base and fell onto the road.

“It is alleged that the defendant, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident, fled the area on foot.

“It will further be alleged that the defendant returned to the scene of the accident a short time later to remove the vehicle prior to the arrival of the police. Neither the accident nor the property damage was reported to the police.

Earlier this month, the Eagles issued a statement about Brockman, saying he is fully cooperating with authorities.

“Tyler’s personal circumstances are complex and the club will prioritize his health and wellbeing before returning to play football,” the club said.

“The club has informed the AFL about this incident and we await the outcome of the police investigation before making further comments.”