Deceased
Ashley Newton Bryant
Demographics
44y, male
Date of death
2013-12-16
Finding date
2017-10-17
Cause of death
Multiple traumatic injuries sustained in a fall from height
AI-generated summary
Ashley Bryant, a 44-year-old former NSW police officer with 24 years service, died by suicide at Minyon Falls on 16 December 2013 while suffering from PTSD, depression and alcohol dependence. The coroner found these conditions arose from exposure to traumatic incidents during police work. Key clinical lessons: the NSWPF failed to follow up on a 2006 fitness-for-duty assessment recommending 8-week review; there was no mechanism ensuring officers who disclosed serious alcohol abuse underwent treatment; the PMO incorrectly cleared him for full duties despite a police psychologist finding him unfit; and no subsequent commands were informed of his prior mental health risks. After leaving police in 2012, Bryant received appropriate care from multiple practitioners including psychiatrists and psychologists. His death demonstrates the impulsive nature of suicide and how dangerous untreated comorbid PTSD, depression and alcohol dependence can be, despite dedicated professional support and caring family.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Clinical conditions
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40y · Male·Unascertained
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36y · Male·Drowning
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