Deceased
Ray Dark
Demographics
85y, male
Coroner
Pennell
Date of death
2023-12-17
Finding date
2026-04-17
Cause of death
Unknown; highly likely drowning in catastrophic flood waters during Cyclone Jasper aftermath, with possible contributory factors being age and pre-existing cardiac disease
AI-generated summary
Ray Dark, an 85-year-old man, died during catastrophic flooding in Degarra, Queensland, caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023. Despite living in an area prone to flooding where residents customarily used boats for evacuation, Mr Dark chose to remain in his house. His residence was completely destroyed by torrential floodwaters that breached the Bloomfield River. His boat was found 350 metres downstream, unused and damaged, suggesting he could not access or use it. A survivability expert concluded that given Mr Dark's age, nighttime conditions, and the violent flood waters, survival was not possible. The clinical lesson is that elderly patients with significant cardiac comorbidities in flood-prone areas require proactive evacuation planning and assistance, particularly when they decline offered help during extreme weather events.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Drugs involved
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