Coroner's Finding: Twining, Craig Anthony

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 Craig Anthony Twining Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that a) The identity of the deceased is Craig Anthony Twining; b) Mr Twining died as a result of injuries sustained by him as a driver in a two vehicle motor vehicle collision; c) The cause of Mr Twining’s death was multiple (head, spinal, trunk, pelvic and limb) injuries; and d) Mr Twining died, aged 61 years, on 1 April 2024 on the Bass Highway, Exton, Tasmania.

In making the above findings, I have had regard to the evidence gained in the investigation into Mr Twining’s death which includes:

• Police Report of death for the Coroner;

• Affidavits confirming identity;

• Report – Dr Andrew Reid, Forensic Pathologist;

• Report – Forensic Science Service Tasmania – Toxicological analysis;

• Medical Records – Southside Family Medical;

• Records – Ambulance Tasmania;

• Affidavit – Tania Twining, sworn 30 April 2024;

• Affidavit – Jane Rawson, sworn 28 April 2024;

• Statutory Declaration – Selina Scott declared 9 July 2024;

• Affidavit – Mia Jordan, Police Officer (rank not stated) sworn 16 July 2024 (and body worn camera footage);

• Affidavit – Joshua Taylor, Police Officer (rank not stated) sworn 19 July 2024 (and body worn camera footage);

• Affidavit – Senior Constable Michal Rybka, Northern Crash Investigation Section, sworn 20 August 2024;

• Affidavit – Constable Marcus Williams, Forensic Services, sworn 26 April 2024 (and scene photographs);

• Results – drug and alcohol screening – Selina Scott;

• Affidavit – James Ross, Transport Safety and Investigation Officer, Department of State Growth, sworn 9 July 2024;

• Affidavit – Paul Buckley, Safety and Compliance Officer, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, sworn 30 April 2024; and

• Scene sketch maps, 3D survey model and forensic evidence.

Mr Twining died as a result of injuries sustained in a two vehicle offset head-on collision which occurred on the Bass Highway at Exton on 1 April 2024. The white Toyota Hilux Ute he was driving crossed the centre dividing lines into the path of a white Mitsubishi Fuso truck driven by Ms Selina Scott. Ms Scott did everything she could but was unable to avoid the collision.

Subsequent testing showed no alcohol or illicit drugs were present in her body at the time of the crash and that the vehicle she was driving was roadworthy. There was no evidence of any failure on her part which could have caused or contributed to the happening of the crash. She is in no way to blame for Mr Twining’s death.

At the time of the collision conditions were fine and the road surface was dry. There was nothing about the prevailing conditions which caused or contributed to the happening of the crash.

There is no evidence that either vehicle was speeding. The evidence is that Mr Twining had his cruise control set at the time of the crash.

There is no evidence that either driver was using their mobile phone at the time of, or in the immediate lead up to, the happening of the crash.

Mr Twining suffered massive unsurvivable injuries in the crash. Forensic testing of samples taken at autopsy revealed the presence of a small amount of alcohol in his body.

The most likely explanation for Mr Twining’s vehicle travelling into the wrong lane is that he suffered a medical event (I note he was found at autopsy to have been obese and had an enlarged heart) or that he fell asleep. There is no evidence to support the proposition that the crash occurred as a result of a deliberate act on the part of Mr Twining.

Comments and Recommendations I extend my appreciation to the investigating officer Senior Constable Michal Rybka for his usual thorough investigation and report.

Given the findings at autopsy in relation to Mr Twining is that he had an enlarged heart, the possibility of cardiomyopathy cannot be excluded. As a precaution it is recommended that screening by first degree relatives be undertaken. A sample of DNA was taken and has been kept to facilitate that occurring. Otherwise, the circumstances of Mr Twining’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 Twining.

Dated: 7 October 2025 at Hobart, in the State of Tasmania.

Simon Cooper Coroner