Family provide update after tradie’s severed leg left on road: ‘Very lucky’

The father of an Aussie man who was allegedly beaten over the head with a hammer after having his leg severed has thanked first responders for saving his son’s life.

Police say Trae Black, 29, was run over and bashed with a hammer by Matthew William Lawson, 25, at City Beach in Perth on Monday, after a workplace altercation was reported.

It’s not yet been made public what caused the spat between the two colleagues, but the horrific, alleged attack left Black clinging to life at Royal Perth Hospital, where he has remained since Monday.

Black is believed to have run from the construction site where the pair were working following a disagreement, before Lawson allegedly chased after him in his ute, running him down and severing his leg. Lawson was charged with an ‘attempt to unlawfully kill’ on Tuesday. He refused legal advice before pleading guilty during his first appearance in court and did not apply for bail.

Heartbroken father thanks first responders for saving son’s life

Black’s father Troy said he believes his son would’ve almost certainly died had it not been for the efforts of first responders, including an off-duty doctor who happened to be in the area at the time.

“Trae is being supported by friends and family, for which we are very grateful,” he told 7News. “Although Trae has a long way to go, we know he will fight hard to overcome his injuries.

“We would like to thank those people at the scene who went to his aid and the first responders. It’s our understanding that if it had not been for their intervention, Trae would have died before reaching the hospital.”

Black’s lower right leg was severed when he was allegedly hit by Lawson’s silver Mazda BT-50 ute, police say, adding that officers were at the scene “within minutes.”

Police say Black was very lucky a doctor was nearby

Superintendent Manus Walsh described the scenes as “harrowing” in a media conference on Monday.

“This would be a harrowing incident for anyone to observe whether they are trained police officers, or whether they are members of the public,” he said.

“It was very lucky, very lucky that an off-duty doctor was there and a member of the public … and they stayed with them until St John’s (ambulance) arrived and then they were taken to the hospital.”

Troy Black says his son now faces a “difficult journey ahead.”

“We would also like to thank the staff at RPH for the outstanding care that they are giving Trae, and for supporting our family,” he said.

“The past few days have been extremely difficult on those of us who are close to Trae, and we now ask for space and privacy so we can concentrate on Trae and the difficult journey he has ahead of him.”

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