Anish Vij
A man from the UK who migrated to Australia to become a police officer has died in a freak accident at his own engagement party.
Liam Trimmer, who moved to Western Australia in 2013, died at his home on Sunday (10 March) at the age of 29.
The 29-year-old cut a carotid artery in his neck when he fell during engagement celebrations.
Friends and family attempted to revive him but tragically, Trimmer didn't make it.
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WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said: "Everything was done to try and save him, but it wasn’t to be.
"I know everyone that was involved are really, really hurting. I think they wish they could just wake up from this nightmare."
Blanch called him 'a very, very confident, capable young man with his whole life ahead of him'.
"That’s how sad this is. It’s such a tragedy," he said.
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After he relocated to Australia in 2013, he graduated from academy training in 2017.
He then moved to Kalgoorlie, which is about 370 miles east of Perth, and began working in police gang crime and tactical response units.
Local media have called him the 'poster boy' for the force, who encouraged Brits to relocate to WA.
The Sun reports that Liam took part in BBC series Wanted Down Under, before he migrated.
The outlet claims his scenes were never used.
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Rita Saffioti, the deputy premier of the state, called it 'an awful, awful tragedy'.
"As I understand it, this police officer came over from the UK to start a new life in WA," she said. "My condolences go out to the family and friends of [the] officer."
Paul Gale, president of the Western Australian police union, said: "Every time a death occurs for a police officer, it doesn’t matter how, it really does rock the core of the police family."
A police spokesperson added: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to his family and colleagues.
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"Our health, welfare and safety division will provide support to those impacted by this tragedy."
Paying tribute on social media, one person wrote: "That is so awful not to mention sad. His poor Fiancé and family. My heart goes out to them."
"What an absolute tragedy! The poor soul and his family and friends! Heartbreaking!" another added.
"That's just tragic. Poor bugger, good grief, how unlucky," a third commented.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677