Coroner's Finding: Hall, Robert John

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 Robert John Hall Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that a) The identity of the deceased is Robert John Hall; b) Mr Hall died as a result of injuries sustained by him as driver in a single motor vehicle crash; c) The cause of Mr Hall’s death was multiple (spine, chest, pelvic and limb) injuries; and d) Mr Hall died, aged 80 years, on 30 December 2021 at Boyer, Tasmania.

In making the above findings I have had regard to the evidence gained in the comprehensive investigation into Mr Hall’s death. The evidence includes:  Police Report of Death for the Coroner;  Affidavits establishing identity and life extinct;  Report – Dr Andrew Reid, State Forensic Pathologist;  Report – Forensic Science Service Tasmania;  Ambulance Tasmania – Electronic Patient Care Report;  Medical Records – Tasmanian Health Service and general practitioner;  Affidavit – Ms Donna Glover, sworn 17 March 2022;  Affidavit – Mr Ricky Harris, sworn 30 December 2021;  Affidavit – Ms Michelle Brunning, sworn 29 March 2022;  Affidavit – Mr John Barker, sworn 12 March 2022;  Affidavit – Ms Lisa Smith, sworn 12 March 2022;  Affidavit – Mr Gerald Garwood, sworn 13 March 2022;  Affidavit – Senior Constable (Qualified) Nicholas Barnes, sworn 12 March 2022;  Affidavit – Constable Nicholas Farrell, sworn 12 April 2022;

 Affidavit – Adrian Woodhead, Tasmania Police (rank not stated), sworn 6 April 2022;  Affidavit – Constable William Butler, sworn 23 March 2022;  Affidavit – First Class Constable Sherelle Bowron, sworn 17 March 2022;  Affidavit – Constable Ian Bellette, sworn 7 January 2022 (and photographs);  Collision Analysis Report – Senior Constable (Qualified) Adam Hall, April 2022;  Affidavit – Mr Jason Armstrong, Transport Safety and Investigation Officer, sworn 10 March 2022; and  Body worn camera footage – scene.

At the time of his death Mr Hall, a retired widower, was living with his stepson, Mr Ricky Harris and Mr Harris’ family at Hayes, near New Norfolk.

In a general sense, for a man of his age, Mr Hall’s health was reasonable. Mr Hall was alone in his Toyota Hilux utility travelling in a general south westerly direction along Boyer Road, Boyer when his vehicle veered to the left hand side of the road, left the carriageway and struck a tree head-on. Mr Hall suffered massive multiple injuries and died at the scene.

At the time of the crash Mr Hall was not wearing a seatbelt. Alcohol, a synthetic opioid analgesic and other prescription drugs were detected as having been present in Mr Hall’s body at the time of the crash. I am satisfied however, given the low level of alcohol detected as having been present in Mr Hall’s body, alcohol neither caused nor contributed to the happening of the crash which caused his death.

I note that at the time of the occurrence of the crash, the sun would have been in Mr Hall’s eyes. This may have been a factor in the happening of the crash.

There is no evidence that Mr Hall applied his brakes, or indeed took any evasive action, prior to the happening of the crash.

The force of the crash was such that the Hilux sustained significant front end damage, with the gearbox entering the footwell of the cabin and the front end being pushed almost to the windscreen. Both front airbags deployed.

A subsequent inspection of the vehicle by a Transport Safety Investigation Officer found that it was non-compliant due to an issue with the rear tyres. However I am satisfied that that issue did not cause or contribute to the happening of the crash.

Finally, there is no evidence that any other person was involved in the crash.

I am satisfied that there are no suspicious circumstances associated with Mr Hall’s death.

I do note that had he been wearing a seatbelt he may well have survived the crash.

Comments and Recommendations The circumstances of Mr Hall’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 Mr Hall.

Dated: 15 November 2022 at Hobart in the State of Tasmania.

Simon Cooper Coroner