Deceased
Leigh Mathew Hosking
Demographics
39y, male
Date of death
2021-04-22
Finding date
2022-02-05
Cause of death
multiple injuries sustained in a single motor vehicle crash
AI-generated summary
39-year-old male died from multiple injuries sustained in a single motor vehicle crash. He was driving without a licence, not wearing a seatbelt, and under the influence of alcohol (BAC 0.217 g/100mL, over four times the legal limit) and cannabis. He was an amputee (right arm and leg) with an unmodified vehicle, and the vehicle had non-compliant tyres. The crash occurred on a straight, dry road in clear weather. The coroner found the crash was entirely Mr Hosking's fault due to his dangerous driving behaviour and unsafe conditions. No clinical or medical factors contributed to this death; it was entirely preventable through appropriate driving behaviour and vehicle safety measures.
AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Drugs involved
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 Leigh Mathew Hosking Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that a) The identity of the deceased is Leigh Mathew Hosking; b) Mr Hosking died, aged 39 years, as a result of multiple injuries sustained by him as a driver in a single motor vehicle crash. He did not hold a licence authorising him to drive, was not wearing a seatbelt, and was under the influence of both alcohol (a blood alcohol level of 0.217 g per 100mL of blood was detected after death) and cannabis. The vehicle he was driving was not roadworthy by reason of being fitted with non-compliant tyres. It was also inappropriate for Mr Hosking to drive, having undergone surgical amputation of his right arm and right leg and the vehicle not being modified in any way to facilitate use by an amputee. The crash occurred on a straight section of road which was dry. At the time of the crash it was dark but the weather was clear. I am satisfied as a result of the evidence obtained in the investigation that the crash was not caused by any other person. Rather, it was entirely Mr Hosking’s fault.
c) The cause of Mr Hosking’s death was multiple injuries; and d) Mr Hosking died on 22 April 2021, near 2873 Huon Highway, Huonville, Tasmania.
Comments and Recommendations It hardly needs me to say that driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level over four times the lawful limit, after having smoked cannabis and without wearing a seatbelt, is appallingly dangerous behaviour. It is fortunate that no other person was killed or seriously injured by Mr Hosking.
The circumstances of Mr Hosking’s death are not such as to require me to make any recommendations pursuant to Section 28 of the Coroners Act 1995.
I convey my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Hosking.
Dated: 5 February 2022 at Hobart in the State of Tasmania.
Simon Cooper Coroner
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