Deceased
Madison Ann Brown
Demographics
26y, female
Date of death
2016-10-26
Finding date
2018-04-16
Cause of death
Multiple injuries from a motor vehicle collision
AI-generated summary
Madison Ann Brown, 26, died on 26 October 2016 from multiple injuries sustained in a single-vehicle motor vehicle collision on the Murchison Highway, Tasmania. Her northbound Nissan Pulsar crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser. The coroner determined the crash was not due to mechanical defects, road conditions, weather, speed, alcohol, or drugs. The most likely explanation was inattention, possibly related to mobile phone use, in the context of recent job resignation and emotional distress. Both drivers were driving appropriately; the other driver was not at fault. The injuries were unsurvivable. This case highlights the dangers of driver inattention and potential mobile phone distraction while driving, and the importance of safe driving practices when emotionally distressed.
AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
MAGISTRATES COURT of TASMANIA
CORONIAL DIVISION Record of Investigation into Death (Without Inquest) Coroners Act 1995 Coroners Rules 2006 Rule 11 I, Simon Cooper, Coroner, having investigated the death of Madison Ann Brown Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that a) The identity of the deceased is Madison Ann Brown; b) Miss Brown died in the circumstances set out below; c) The cause of Miss Brown’s death was multiple injuries from a motor vehicle collision; and d) Miss Brown died on 26 October 2016 near the Fossey River Bridge on the Murchison Highway, Tasmania.
In making the above findings I have had regard to the evidence gained in the comprehensive investigation into Miss Brown’s death. The evidence comprises an opinion of the forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy; relevant police and witness affidavits; medical records and reports; forensic and photographic evidence; and other expert investigative material.
Popular and much loved Miss Brown was killed instantly when the Nissan Pulsar she was driving north on the Murchison Highway crossed into the south bound lane and collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by Mr Thomas Mahoney.
The evidence satisfies me that the crash was not due to mechanical defects, road conditions, weather, wildlife, speed, alcohol or drugs. It is clear both drivers were driving in a manner appropriate to the road and the conditions in the immediate lead up to the crash. Both vehicles were roadworthy and neither driver had been drinking or using drugs before the crash. I am also satisfied that Mr Mahoney, who was seriously injured in the crash, did everything he could to avoid the collision (which occurred in his lane) and was in no way to blame for its happening. I also note that the evidence is that Miss Brown was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.
It seems that the most likely explanation for the happening of the crash was inattention on the part of Miss Brown, who may have been using her mobile telephone at the time, although it is impossible to be certain about this point. I also note that she had resigned her employment earlier the same day and was reportedly (and understandably) upset when she left Cradle Mountain to drive to her family home at Penguin.
The injuries Miss Brown sustained were massive and not survivable.
There is nothing to suggest that the crash was anything other than a tragic accident.
Comments and Recommendations I extend my appreciation to investigating officer Senior Constable Sven Mason for his investigation and report.
The circumstances of Miss Brown’s death are not such as to require me to make any comments or recommendations pursuant to Section 28 of the Coroners Act 1995.
I convey my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Miss Brown.
Dated 16 April 2018 at Hobart inTasmania.
Simon Cooper Coroner
A 62-year-old woman driving on the Tasman Highway in Tasmania was affected by sun glare while approaching a blind left-hand curve. She shielded her eyes with her left hand, causing her vehicle to cross double white centr…
Adrian Garcia, 51, died from traumatic brain injuries sustained during an assault in a public park in Sorell, Tasmania on 10 March 2021. He was heavily intoxicated when struck by a baseball bat multiple times by his fian…
Raymond Henry Elson, a 31-year-old commercial fisherman, drowned on 12 June 1959 in Bass Strait near Waterhouse Island, Tasmania. While working aboard his fishing vessel during a severe storm with 20-foot seas and 60-kno…
Source and disclaimer
This page reproduces or summarises information from publicly available findings published by Australian coroners' courts. Coronial is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any coronial court or government body.
Content may be incomplete, reformatted, or summarised. Some material may have been redacted or restricted by court order or privacy requirements. Always refer to the original court publication for the authoritative record.
Copyright in original materials remains with the relevant government jurisdiction. AI-generated summaries are for educational purposes only and must not be treated as legal documents. Report an inaccuracy.