A man in his 20s has died following a serious incident involving a quad bike at a recreation reserve in the small southern New South Wales community of Osborne.

Emergency services were called to the reserve on Osborne Yerong Creek Road shortly after 2:30pm on Sunday, 20 September 2026. The man was seriously injured after being towed by a quad bike and striking a goalpost on the football oval.

People at the scene provided first aid before emergency services arrived, but the man died at the location. His identity had not been formally confirmed at the time of reporting.

The incident occurred in Osborne, a small rural community approximately 70 kilometres west of Wagga Wagga. The area has a population of fewer than 30 people and is closely connected through farming and local sporting activities.

The incident has affected the local football and netball community, with the two men involved reported to be members of the Osborne Tigers Football Netball Club. The club had recently completed its season, with its senior football team having played in the Hume League grand final on the previous day.

Local authorities and community organisations have arranged support for residents and others affected by the death. Counselling services are being made available to people who may need assistance following the incident.

Police arrested the 20-year-old driver of the quad bike after the crash. He was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station for mandatory testing before being charged.

The driver faces charges including dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner and negligent driving occasioning death. He was granted conditional bail.

The accused is scheduled to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing as police examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the circumstances in which the man was being towed and how the collision with the goalpost occurred.

The death has caused significant concern in the small farming community, where local sporting clubs play an important role in bringing residents together.

Authorities have not indicated that further details about the circumstances will be released until the investigation progresses and the matter reaches court.

The incident serves as a reminder of the serious risks associated with recreational vehicle use, particularly around sporting grounds and other areas where fixed structures and people may be present.

As the investigation continues, the court proceedings will determine the matters alleged against the charged driver. The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.