Coroner's Finding: Hayes, Gary John
Deceased
Gary John Hayes
Demographics
30y, male
Date of death
2019-01-01
Finding date
2022-07-22
Cause of death
multiple injuries sustained when struck by a motor vehicle
AI-generated summary
Gary John Hayes, aged 30, died on 1 January 2019 when struck by a large truck on the Midlands Highway near Brighton, Tasmania, in the early morning hours. He was walking in dark clothing in the centre of the left-hand lane where he was struck from behind. The driver did not stop. Toxicology showed therapeutic levels of nortriptyline (an antidepressant) with no alcohol or illicit drugs. Although Mr Hayes had a documented history of mental illness and was receiving depression treatment, the coroner found no evidence supporting suicide. The coroner concluded a reasonably prudent driver with headlights on and travelling at the speed limit would not have had sufficient time to avoid the collision. No medical errors or system failures contributed to this death—it was a hit-and-run traffic fatality with no preventable clinical aspects.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- pedestrian walking in centre of left-hand lane on Midlands Highway
- pedestrian wearing dark clothing
- no artificial lighting in the area
- early morning hours with minimal traffic
- hit-and-run driver did not stop
Coroner's recommendations
- Urges anyone with information about the circumstances of Mr Hayes' death to contact the Coronial division or Tasmania Police
Full text
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