RECORD OF INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH (Without Inquest)

Coroners Act 1995
Coroners Rules 2006
Rule 11

I, Robert Pearce, having investigated the death of the deceased

WITHOUT HOLDING AN INQUEST

These findings have been partially de-identified in relation to the name of the deceased by direction of the Coroner pursuant to S.57(1)(c) of Coroners Act 1995

Find That:

(a) The identity of the deceased person born May 1991, in northern Tasmania;

(b) The deceased died on 6 February 2012 at Launceston;

(c) The deceased’s death occurred as a result of injuries caused by a self inflicted gun shot wound;

(d) No other person contributed to the cause of the deceased’s death.

Circumstances:

1. The deceased was aged 20. He was one of four sons. His mother and father had separated when the deceased was 8. Prior to his death the deceased lived with his father in northern Launceston.

2. On 6 February 2012 the deceased's mother and father each received a scheduled text message sent by the deceased saying that he had taken his own life and disclosing his location. He was found by his father. The deceased had a gunshot wound. Partly under his body was a double barrel shotgun together with a bag and video camera on a tripod. The camera had recorded the deceaed taking his own life by discharging the shotgun.

3. Inside the bag was a lengthy suicide note referring to the deceased’s difficulties with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Later examination of his computer revealed lengthy and details notes about the same issues. Prior to his death the deceaed had sought and obtained appropriate mental health treatment and counseling.

4. The evidence confirms that no other person was involved in the deceased’s death.

5. The post mortem examination disclosed a gunshot wound. The injury caused by the firearm was the cause of the deceased’s death. Toxicology testing revealed only therapeutic medication.

6. The firearm was a 12 gauge English manufactured double barrel sawn off shotgun. It, along with other firearms, had belonged to the deceased’s  grandfather. At the time of his grandfather’s death in 2011 the other firearms had been transferred to the deceased’s father. However is seems that the deceased had taken and hidden the shotgun and refused his father’s requests to hand it over. His father made no report because he did not wish to get his son into trouble and did not predict that the deceased may use the firearm in this way.

Comments & Recommendations: 

7. I have decided not to hold in inquest into the deceased’s death. The investigation has sufficiently disclosed the identity of the deceased person, the time, place, the relevant circumstances concerning his death and the particulars needed to register his death under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act. I am satisfied that no other person contributed to the deceased’s death. I do not consider that an inquest is likely to elicit any further information concerning the issues that I am required to determine.

The loss of a young man, loved by his parents and brothers, is tragic. I convey my sincere condolences to his family.
 

Dated: 30 day of April 2013 at Launceston in the State of Tasmania.

  

Robert Pearce
CORONER