Coronial
QLDother

Coulson, Elliott John

Deceased

Elliott John Coulson

Demographics

32y, male

Date of death

2013-04-24

Finding date

2013-11-04

Cause of death

multiple injuries sustained in a fall from the 26th floor of the Marriott Hotel

AI-generated summary

Elliott Coulson, 32-year-old Royal Australian Navy seaman, died after deliberately jumping from the 26th floor of a hotel while police executed a search warrant in his room. He was a person of interest in a murder investigation. Police entry was delayed by internal security bars, but officers quickly located Coulson on the balcony. One officer attempted to grab him, but Coulson deliberately released his grip and fell. Toxicology showed significant alcohol intoxication (245mg/100mL blood alcohol). The coroner found Coulson deliberately caused his own death to avoid police custody. The investigation concluded police conduct was lawful and appropriate. This case highlights the unpredictable risks in executing warrants in high-rise locations and the potential role of acute intoxication in impulsive decision-making.

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

Clinical conditions

Contributing factors

  • significant alcohol intoxication
  • knowledge of impending criminal charges relating to death of Kate Malonyay
  • police execution of search warrant causing acute stress and awareness of imminent custody
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