Coronial
TASother

Coroner's Finding: Milburn, Philip Maxwell

Deceased

Philip Maxwell Milburn

Demographics

39y, male

Date of death

2022-01-13

Finding date

2024-12-12

Cause of death

Multiple blunt injuries (blunt trauma of the head, facial and skull fractures extending into the cranial cavity, blunt trauma of the thorax, buttock and left leg)

AI-generated summary

Philip Maxwell Milburn, aged 39, died from multiple blunt injuries sustained as a pillion passenger when the motorcycle he was riding on collided with a truck and trailer at an intersection in Longford, Tasmania on 13 January 2022. This was his first time as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle on a public road. The rider, David John Wright, was speeding, not keeping proper lookout, and had ingested methylamphetamine. The motorcycle had multiple mechanical defects including non-compliant handlebars, defective throttle, and insecure rear brake master cylinder reservoir. Wright was subsequently convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and sentenced to 3.5 years imprisonment. This case highlights the critical importance of motorcycle safety, the dangers of riding under the influence of drugs, and proper vehicle maintenance.

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

Drugs involved

Contributing factors

  • Rider speeding
  • Rider not keeping proper lookout
  • Rider under the influence of methylamphetamine
  • Motorcycle mechanical deficiencies including non-compliant handlebars
  • Defective throttle
  • Insecure rear brake master cylinder reservoir
  • First time as pillion passenger on motorcycle on public road
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