On the 20th of December 1920, the Broome Riots erupted after racial tension had risen over the previous few days. Inspector Thomas, Officer in Charge, had now been on duty for over 48 hours without any sleep.

On the afternoon of 21st of December 1920, he collapsed, a medical practitioner attended and ordered the Inspector to rest, but his condition began to deteriorate, and his temperature rose to 43 degrees Centigrade, Inspector Thomas never regained consciousness and died at 9.30am on 22nd December 1920.

The cause of death was diagnosed as 'being due to overwork combined with heat and apoplexy' (stroke caused by brain haemorrhage).

He leaves his wife Emma Eliza and 10 children.