Coroner's Finding: Findings in relation to aboriginal remains identified
Demographics
unknown
Finding date
2024-04-24
Cause of death
Unknown - remains undated and unidentified at investigation commencement
AI-generated summary
This case concerns unidentified human skeletal remains (femurs and radius bone) discovered on Tasmania's West Coast in April 2016. Initial forensic anthropological examination suggested the remains were at least 20 years old, possibly much older, with gender and ethnicity inconclusive. The coroner appropriately did not initially refer to Aboriginal organisations based on available evidence. Subsequent DNA testing in 2022 revealed S haplogroup markers consistent with Aboriginal ancestry, and radiocarbon dating indicated the remains dated to 772-890 AD (pre-European). The coroner then appropriately referred the matter to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre as required by legislation. No medical or clinical issues are central to this finding.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Coroner's recommendations
- Matter referred to Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre as required by Coroners Act 1995 section 3 following identification of remains as likely Aboriginal ancestry through DNA and radiocarbon dating
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