Chinese lion dancer Tommy Ngo was killed when he crashed into a metal platform during practice in 2014. Credit:Instagram On Tuesday, Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame handed down her findings into the 19-year-old aspiring rapper and apprentice mechanic's death, the only known death in the history of Chinese lion dancing in Australia. On November 4, 2014, Mr Ngo and his training partner Jonathon Lin were practicing for an upcoming performance using the metal poles. Mr Ngo was the 'head' of the lion and sitting on his partner's shoulders as Mr Lin jumped between the small metal platforms.

Mr Ngo was then propelled forward to land on another platform in front yet Mr Lin missed his jump and sent Mr Ngo crashing into one of the metal platforms head first, causing huge neck trauma that killed him. The entire incident was captured in CCTV, showing Mr Ngo's dance partners frantically trying to administer CPR. "The jump would require exceptional strength, balance and agility. Jonathon told the inquest that he was not sure why he missed the jump on that occasion," Ms Grahame said in her findings. "However, it is clear from the CCTV footage that he had been experiencing some difficulties that night even when he tried the jump without Tommy. "The accident happened so quickly and in such a location, that it is clear that even if 'spotters' had been standing nearby there is nothing they could have done to stop it."

Ms Grahame heard evidence that Chinese lion dancing, traditionally performed at celebratory events like Chinese New Year, has become a competitive sport. The process has encouraged new developments and innovations such as the use of the steel pole platforms, which are uncommon among the 20-25 lion dance troupes in Australia, the inquest heard. Since the death of Mr Ngo, the Chinese Youth League has stopped using poles completely. They have also placed first aid kits in the practice hall and asked members to undertake first aid training. A safety expert, Wayne Pleace, said there was minimal supervision of Mr Ngo and his partner and minimal warm-up on the night.

It was obvious from the CCTV that Mr Lin's warm-up jumps were not confident and he wasn't ready to proceed with his partner on his shoulders, he told the inquest. "It is impossible to know for sure, but greater supervision may have detected such issues or potential risks prior to the jump," Ms Grahame said. "Jumping on poles should be more closely supervised than it appears to have been on the night." She didn't make any formal recommendations because the sport has no official or unofficial governing body that could implement them. However, she suggested that other lion dancing groups who use poles consider increased supervision, more formalised training procedures, increased use of spotters and more padding around the base of the poles.

"Tommy had many friends. He played sport and loved rap music. He was, by all accounts, an outstanding young man and a great credit to his mother," Ms Grahame said. "In particular, I offer my sincere condolences to Tommy's mother, whose pain and anguish is profound and ongoing."