Coroner's Finding: Sulley, Matthew Wade
Deceased
Matthew Wade Sulley
Demographics
46y, male
Date of death
2022-04-03
Finding date
2024-09-13
Cause of death
neck compression due to hanging
AI-generated summary
Matthew Wade Sulley, aged 46, died by hanging while on home detention under Department for Correctional Services supervision. He had a significant psychiatric history including previous suicide attempt by hanging (1997), prior suicidal ideation presentation (2021), and chronic methamphetamine use. Despite appearing compliant and reporting no mental health concerns on 7 March 2022, toxicology revealed cocaine and methamphetamine metabolites at death. An argument with his partner on 27 March preceded his deterioration. The electronic bracelet was removed on 2 April, with text messages to his partner indicating suicidal intent. The coroner found supervision appropriate until his final days when illicit drug relapse and mental health decline occurred. Key clinical lessons: patients with prior hanging attempts require heightened vigilance; self-reported mental health status may not reflect true state, particularly in substance users; and escalated risk assessment during relationship crises is critical.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Drugs involved
Contributing factors
- previous suicide attempt by hanging in 1997
- prior suicidal ideation presentation in 2021
- relapse into illicit drug use in days preceding death
- argument with partner on 27 March 2022
- chronic methamphetamine and cocaine use
- inadequate confirmation of engagement with Drug and Alcohol Services SA
- removal of electronic monitoring bracelet
Full text
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