Coroner's Finding: Johnson, Sarah Catherine

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 Sarah Catherine Johnson Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that a) The identity of the deceased is Sarah Catherine Johnson (also know as Sarah Catherine Hoodless); b) Ms Johnson died as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle whilst a pedestrian.

At the time she was struck by the vehicle she was walking, significantly affected by both alcohol (at least 0.244 g/100 mL of blood) and cannabis (approximately 16 µg/L), in the dark on the carriage way of a major highway. Her presence on the carriageway of the highway had been reported to police by other road users, concerned for her safety. Other road users had found it necessary to take evasive action to avoid hitting Ms Johnson. At the time of the collision which caused Ms Johnson’s death, police were on their way to attempt to intercept her; c) The cause of Ms Johnson’s death was multiple (spine, chest and abdominal) injuries; and d) Ms Johnson died, aged 37 years, on 5 January 2022 on the Midland Highway, at Brighton, Tasmania.

In making the above findings I have had regard to the evidence gained in the comprehensive investigation into Ms Johnson’s death. The evidence includes:  Police Report of Death for the Coroner;  Affidavits establishing identity and life extinct;  Report – Dr Andrew Reid, Forensic Pathologist;

 Report – Forensic Science Service Tasmania;  Medical Records – Tasmanian Health Service;  Crash Investigation Services report;  Family and witness affidavits;  Affidavits of attending and investigating police; and  Photographic and forensic evidence.

I am quite satisfied that the driver of the vehicle which struck Ms Johnson was in no way to blame for the collision. The driver was travelling at a speed less than the posted speed limit for the section of road where the collision occurred. No alcohol or drugs were detected as being present in their blood. I am satisfied on the evidence the driver had insufficient time to take any evasive action to avoid striking Ms Johnson. Finally, I am quite satisfied that the vehicle involved was roadworthy.

Comments and Recommendations The circumstances of Ms Johnson’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 Ms Johnson.

Dated: 6 February 2023 at Hobart in the State of Tasmania.

Simon Cooper Coroner