Coroner's Finding: Braunack, Logan Ronald Roy

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 Logan Ronald Roy Braunack Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that a) The identity of the deceased is Logan Ronald Roy Braunack; b) Mr Braunack died as a result of injuries sustained by him, as driver, in a single motor vehicle crash; c) The cause of Mr Braunack’s death was multiple injuries; and d) Mr Braunack died, aged 25 years, on 25 November 2022, near 4161 Tasman Highway, Runnymede, Tasmania.

In making the above findings I have had regard to the evidence gained in the investigation into Mr Braunack’s death. The evidence includes:

• Police Report of Death for the Coroner;

• Affidavits confirming identity;

• Report – Dr Donald Ritchey, Forensic Pathologist;

• Report – Forensic Science Service Tasmania;

• Affidavit – Leanne Wakerell, sworn 7 December 2022;

• Affidavit – Beverley Marney - Knight, sworn 17 January 2023;

• Affidavit - Constable Shelley Sheen, sworn 14 June 2023;

• Affidavit – Constable Ralph Newton, sworn 26 April 2023;

• Affidavit – Constable Simon Campbell, sworn 23 May 2023;

• Affidavit – Senior Constable Adam Hall, Crash Investigation Services, sworn 20 July 2023 and Collision Analysis Report;

• Affidavit – Craig Shepherd, Transport Safety and Investigation Officer, sworn 5 January 2023;

• Affidavit – Senior Constable Melissa Palmer, sworn 24 February 2023 (and photographs; and

• Affidavit – Senior Sergeant Adam Archer, sworn 28 November 2022 (and drone footage.

Mr Braunack a hardworking and popular young man died as a result of massive injuries sustained driving on his way to work.

I am satisfied that alcohol and illicit drugs played no role in the happening of the crash.

It seems likely, on the evidence, that excessive speed and a non-compliant motor vehicle may have contributed to the happening of the crash. The vehicle he was driving, a Mazda BT 50 dual cab utility, was non-compliant due to missing bump stops in the front suspension, having excessively worn bushes in the rear suspension, fluid leaks in the rear brakes and tyres of a non-compliant size.

I am satisfied no other person was involved in the happening of the crash.

There are no suspicious circumstances associated with Mr Braunack’s death.

In an email dated 23 January 2024, Ms WakerelI raised a number of concerns about the stretch of road where her son died. I asked Tasmania Police Crash Investigation Services (CIS) to consider and respond to those matters. I have considered her concerns and the advice from CIS carefully. While acknowledging the seriousness of those concerns, I do not consider any of the matters raised caused or contributed to Mr Braunack’s death.

Comments and Recommendations The circumstances of Mr Braunack’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 Braunack.

Dated: 8 March 2024 at Hobart, in the State of Tasmania.

Simon Cooper Coroner