Coroner's Finding: Pinner, Liam Christopher

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 Liam Christopher Pinner Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that a) The identity of the deceased is Liam Christopher Pinner; b) Liam died as a result of injuries sustained by him in a motorcycle crash; c) The cause of Liam’s death was blunt force trauma; and d) Liam died on 15 October 2016 at Lot 1 Dawkins Road Beulah in Tasmania.

In making the above findings I have had regard to the evidence gained in the comprehensive investigation into Liam’s death. The evidence comprises an opinion of the pathologist who conducted the autopsy; relevant police reports and affidavits; affidavits of Liam’s father and brother; medical records and reports; and forensic and photographic evidence.

Liam, aged just 16 at the time of his death, was reportedly both experienced and confident in the operation of off-road motorcycles. He was fit and healthy, a student, and living at home at the time of his death.

Early in the afternoon of Saturday 15 October 2016, Liam was riding his 2012 Yamaha YZ 250F off-road motorcycle with his 13-year-old brother, Max, in an area of forest near the family vacation property at Lot 1 Dawkins Road, Lower Beulah. The boys had ridden in the area on many occasions in the past. The weather was fine and clear and both Liam and Max were wearing helmets.

As the boys travelled along a gravel road Liam’s bike was seen by Max to “step out a bit” at the backend. This in turn appears to have caused him to go off into the bush at an angle and hit a large tree very hard.

Liam’s father was quickly on the scene attracted by Max’s screaming. He could see that Liam had suffered serious injuries to his head and left leg (the helmet he had been wearing appeared to have come off during the crash). He carried his son to his van and drove back to the nearby family vacation home. An ambulance was called. Liam’s father comforted his son. By the time the ambulance arrived Liam had vomited blood. His breathing was short and he had lost consciousness. Ambulance officers attempted to resuscitate Liam but sadly nothing could be done for him and he died at the scene.

After formal identification, his body was transported to the mortuary at the Launceston General Hospital where an autopsy was carried out. That autopsy revealed that Liam had suffered a significant head injury resulting in a basal skull fracture and subarachnoid haemorrhage, as well as a fracture of the lumbar spine and the femur and hemipelvis on the left side of his body. Samples were taken at autopsy and subsequently analysed at the laboratory of Forensic Science Service Tasmania. The analysis indicates that it was possible Liam had used cannabis shortly prior to the happening of the crash. However, the proportion of cannabis identified as having been present in those samples may well be due to post mortem release of the drug from tissues and therefore may not reflect the concentration time of his death. It should also be noted that cannabis affects the central nervous system and impairs coordination, reaction times and judgement and may therefore have contributed to the happening of the crash.

A comprehensive investigation was carried out at the scene of the crash by officers of the Tasmania Police Crash Investigation Service. The crash investigators concluded that the most likely cause of Liam’s crash was that whilst he was travelling at a relatively high speed he lost control of his motorcycle. In all of the circumstances this appears to be the most likely explanation for the happening of the crash.

I note the evidence was Liam was wearing both an appropriate helmet and boots and was thus dressed appropriately at the time of the happening of the accident.

As part of the investigation Liam’s motorcycle was examined by a Transport Inspector.

The Inspector concluded that the motorcycle was roadworthy at the time of the happening of the crash. I accept this opinion.

I am satisfied on the evidence that Liam’s death was a tragic accident. I am satisfied that he lost control of his mechanically sound motorcycle when travelling at a relatively high speed and crashed into a tree thereby sustaining fatal injuries in the collision. I am satisfied that no adverse weather conditions caused or contributed to the crash. Finally, I am satisfied that no other person caused or contributed to the happening of the crash.

Comments and Recommendations The circumstances of Liam’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 Liam Christopher Pinner on their tragic loss.

Dated 27 March 2018 at Hobart in Tasmania.

Simon Cooper Coroner