Coronial
NSWcommunity

Inquest into the disappearance and suspected death of Paul RUSHWORTH

Deceased

Paul Rushworth

Demographics

46y, male

Date of death

2013-09-13

Finding date

2020-07-22

Cause of death

unknown

AI-generated summary

This inquest concerns Paul Rushworth, a 46-year-old man reported missing on 13 September 2013 after leaving home for a walk. Paul had a history of depression and anxiety treated in 2010-2011, and had experienced increasing stress related to his postgraduate studies. On 12 September 2013, Paul called Lifeline expressing suicidal ideation and police attended his home. He received mental health assessment the following day and was scheduled for follow-up. On 13 September 2013, Paul left home and called his partner from Circular Quay indicating he would go to the mountains to clear his head, making vague references to self-harm. Despite extensive police investigations including CCTV review, bank account checks, media appeals, and 'signs of life' checks over nearly 7 years, no confirmed sighting or evidence of Paul's survival has been found. The coroner found Paul is deceased but could not determine when, where, or how he died due to absence of remains or definitive evidence.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.

Contributing factors

  • mental health crisis
  • depression and anxiety
  • suicidal ideation
  • stress related to academic work
  • financial pressure
  • social isolation
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