Jadison Ridgeway, Herbie Morcombe deaths near Harrington crash: latest
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The mum of one of the men discovered dead near a mysterious motorbike crash site on the Mid-North Coast has opened up on her theories about the deaths, and revealed the heartbreaking moment she learned they had been found.
The Harrington deaths of cousins Herbert (Herbie) Morcombe and Jadison Ridgeway in August last year has been the subject of much speculation in the community of Taree – with questions whether they were chased in the lead up to the accident or possible victims of foul play.
But authorities have closed the case, with The Daily Telegraph revealing in an exclusive last week that the matter will not be subject to an inquest, or any further investigation.
Jadison's mother Alanie James said her son, if still alive, would have been celebrating his 21st birthday next month.
She is the first to admit he had fallen foul of the law and the crashed bike was in fact stolen.
The roadside memorial for Jadison Ridgeway and (at right) Jadison with his mother Alanie James.
'I was just waiting for him to find himself,' she tearfully told this publication.
He had his 'partying habits' but was also a loving father to a baby girl, she said on Monday.
Police at the scene of the crash last year along Harrington Road about 11km from Harrington. Picture: Janine Watson
She also maintains a steadfast belief that the pair were being pursued.
'I am thinking they were chased,' she said.
Herbert and Jadison were last seen leaving a home on Dunoon St, Taree about 3.30am on Friday, August 16 last year.
Family and friends became worried and told police the disappearance was out of character.
Herbert 'Herbie' Morcombe and his partner Kuliyah Simon.
On August 20, the police were notified and two days later officers made a public appeal for information.
Ms James joined the search for the pair in Taree, door knocking around various neighbourhoods.
When, on August 26, she heard bodies had been located along Harrington Road not far from the Pacific Highway exit, family members drove her there.
The roadside memorial for the two men - not far from highway turn off to Harrington. Picture: Janine Watson
'There was a woman police officer there and she took my hand and walked me over there and I collapsed. I was off tap, banging my head on the ground.'
But she said after the 'big heads' got involved she was told to get off the road and she said it has been a strained relationship with police ever since.
The bodies of missing Taree men Herbert Morcombe, 21, and Jadison Ridgeway, 20 were found on Monday, August 26 last year, near a crashed motorbike on Harrington Road.
Emergency services at work at the Harrington crash scene in August last year. Picture: Janine Watson.
Police determined the motorbike they were on lost control on a corner and smashed into trees. The NSW Coroner's Court has confirmed it will not be pursuing the matter.
Ms James said that unlike the police in the Karuah and Newcastle area where she lives, Taree police 'haven't been involved with the community enough'.
Jadison with his mother at Saltwater Reserve near Taree.
'Here police play footy with the kids and they (the kids) get to know them as adults not just police.
'In Taree they are 300 years behind.'
Ms James said she was not surprised the case had been closed on the young men's deaths.
'I knew we would be put on the backburner.'
Got a news tip? Email: janine.watson@news.com.au
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