A man who reportedly died after being knifed in a freak accident on the NSW south coast has been identified as a loving teenager who only recently celebrated his 18th birthday.
Bailey Jones, 18, died Friday night of a stab wound to the chest in what appeared to be a fatal drunken stunt.
Watch the video above: Bailey Jones died from stab wounds at a Bomaderry party.
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Police say Jones was stabbed in the chest with a single knife during a small gathering with friends at his Bomaderry home around 7pm.
7NEWS has been told multiple frantic police calls were made by teenagers inside the house, alleging Jones accidentally fell on a machete, but no one has been able to explain how or why this happened.
Police sources told The Telegraph that those at the party reported seeing Jones tripping and tripping over the weapon while playing in the driveway.
Neighbors told 7NEWS they heard commotion before police arrived.
Paramedics treated Jones at the scene and took him in a critical condition to Shoalhaven Hospital, where he died.
Homicide detectives are now trying to piece together how the tragedy happened.
Detective Inspector Ian Griffin said police seized a knife for forensic examination.
He said it was too early to tell whether Jones’ death was malicious or accidental, but said all those involved that night were cooperating with police
“This is a dire set of circumstances but there is certainly nothing in our investigation that should be of concern to the community and we will continue to work to find out what happened,” he said on Saturday.
“It’s too early to speculate, but we’re open to all possibilities.”
Jones’ distraught mother Carole told 7NEWS she was “devastated” by the tragedy.
The teenager, who turned 18 just a few months ago, will be remembered as a fan of rugby union and his family.
Friends have paid tribute to Jones on social media, saying the teenager was “caught too soon”.
“My heart is broken. Forever in our hearts,” said another.
Anyone with any information, dashcam or CCTV images taken in the party area at 7pm on Saturday is urged to contact police.
– with Anne Prall
