The wife of a British man who died in a freak accident at his own engagement party is 14 weeks pregnant with his child.
Liam Trimmer was celebrating his engagement to Lilly Watts, in western Australia, when he fell and cut a carotid artery in his neck, according to local media.
The 29-year-old, who moved to Australia back in 2013, died before emergency services could reach him as family and friends tried to save him.
But the celebration was not just for their engagement as the couple also announced they were expecting a child.
One of Lilly’s friends, Melinda Kelly, said in a GoFundMe that Lilly, a nurse at Royal Perth Hospital, was almost 14 weeks pregnant, but now faces raising their child alone.
Ms Kelly said: “The evening was meant to be a joyous celebration of Lilly and Liam’s recent engagement and announcing their pregnancy, a huge milestone in their journey together.
“Friends and family gathered to share in their happiness. In a cruel twist of events, Liam’s life was cut short leaving behind a void that can never be filled.
“Lilly, a dedicated clinical registered nurse at Royal Perth Hospital, now finds herself navigating uncharted waters. Not only has she lost her soulmate, but she also carries the precious gift of new life within her.
“At almost 14 weeks pregnant, Lilly now faces the prospect of raising a child without her beloved partner.”
Liam Trimmer on the BBC programme Wanted Down Under. Pic: Western Australia Police/BBC
Mr Trimmer had been a senior constable after graduating from Western Australia’s police academy.
He moved to the outback mining town of Kalgoorlie, around 370 miles east of Perth, in 2017 and was a member of the force’s gang crime squad and tactical response group.
The officer had also taken part in a BBC programme, Wanted Down Under, which followed British families who were considering emigrating to Australia.
In it, he was filmed giving a British teenager advice on what to expect if her family relocated.
An inquest has been opened into his death.
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Col Blanch, the commissioner of Western Australia police, told a Perth radio station: “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.”
Western Australia Police told Sky News: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to his family and colleagues. Our Health, Welfare and Safety Division will provide support to those impacted by this tragedy.”
The state’s police union also paid tribute to Mr Trimmer.
