On the 31st of December 1926, Constable Read was sent to investigate complaints regarding native dogs in Wansbrough, near Tambellup. 

After making some enquiries, the officer was going home in a truck driven by a James Morris, when they sighted a stray dog on the road, Constable Read shot at, but only wounded the dog.

Constable Read jumped from the truck, stumbling and striking the stock of the gun on the ground, which then discharged, and shot him in the groin area.

Constable Read was rushed to Tambellup Hospital and later transferred to Katanning Hospital but passed away on 2nd January 1927.

He leaves behind his wife Florence and five children.