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Coroner's Finding: Rogers, Roy William

Deceased

Roy William Rogers

Demographics

60y, male

Date of death

2022-02-11

Finding date

2023-12-07

Cause of death

cervical spine fracture sustained in bicycle crash

AI-generated summary

Roy William Rogers, aged 60, died from a cervical spine fracture sustained in a bicycle crash on a public pathway in Burnie, Tasmania on 11 February 2022. He was riding downhill on a steep concrete path (24.3% gradient) when he lost control and crashed. Toxicology detected cannabis at levels consistent with recent use (within hours), which may have caused impaired coordination, reaction time and judgement. The bicycle's right handlebar grip was found to be loose and easily detachable due to a faulty retaining clamp. Police testing demonstrated the grip could slide off easily. While the helmet was found 4 metres away unfastened, Senior Constable Mason believed it was not being worn but rather hanging from the handlebars. The exact mechanism of the crash could not be definitively determined, though evidence suggests loss of control during descent. No medical care issues were identified.

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

Contributing factors

  • loss of control of bicycle while riding downhill on steep path
  • loose and easily detachable right handlebar grip due to faulty retaining clamp
  • cannabis use causing possible impaired coordination, reaction time and judgement
  • steep gradient of pathway (24.3%)
  • not wearing helmet
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