A 21-year-old man who donated bone marrow to his ailing brothers has died after being struck by a garbage truck in Sydney. Nathan Hearne was hit by the truck outside a restaurant in Mount Druitt, west Sydney, around 2:20 a.m. on Thursday.
Mr. Hearne's mother, Leanne Whelan, recalled his bone marrow donation last year, stating he had the "biggest heart." His two brothers, Stevie and Colton, were diagnosed with Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis type five, a rare and severe immune system disorder. Bone marrow stem cell transplantation is the only curative treatment for the condition.
Stevie received the procedure last year with Mr. Hearne's donation. Colton is currently in hospital recovering from the same treatment, having received a donation from his mother. Family friend Jessica Carter described Mr. Hearne as a "vibrant, outgoing, cheerful spirit who made everyone who met him remember him." Another friend added, "He was a beautiful soul, a gentleman, and a good mate, he will be greatly missed."
The garbage truck was reportedly collecting waste at the time of the incident. Mr. Hearne died at the scene, despite efforts by emergency responders. Police have stated that Mr. Hearne had visited the Mount Druitt Police Station twice earlier in the evening.
A critical investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway. The driver of the garbage truck, a 31-year-old man, was uninjured and taken to a hospital for mandatory testing. The investigation will be independently reviewed by the Professional Standards Command, with oversight from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.