Inquest into the death of Benjamin COLLIER
Deceased
Benjamin Jake Collier
Demographics
35y, male
Date of death
2020-01-08
Finding date
2021-08-23
Cause of death
head and chest injuries as a result of a collision while riding a motorcycle
AI-generated summary
Benjamin Jake Collier, aged 35, died from head and chest injuries sustained in a high-speed motorcycle collision with a light pole on 8 January 2020 in Newcastle, NSW. The collision occurred shortly after a brief police pursuit (39 seconds) was terminated. Collier was travelling at approximately 160 kmph in a 40 kmph zone when he lost control on a bend. Primary contributing factors were severe alcohol intoxication (BAC 0.203g/100mL, approximately 4 times the legal limit) and excessive speed. He was also an inexperienced rider of a high-performance motorcycle. The coroner found the police officer's decision to commence and conduct the pursuit was reasonable in the circumstances, but noted the pursuit itself contributed to the collision by creating the risk that prompted Collier's evasive riding. No recommendations were made.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Specialties
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- severe alcohol intoxication (BAC 0.203g/100mL)
- excessive speed (approximately 160 kmph in 40 kmph zone)
- inexperience riding high-performance motorcycle
- police pursuit (prior to collision, terminated shortly before impact)
- possibly distraction by pigeon immediately before collision
- narrow road with light rail tracks, bend in road at collision site
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