Coroner's Finding: de Plater, Jason
Deceased
Jason Bradley de Plater
Demographics
54y, male
Date of death
2024-12-27
Finding date
2026-06-19
Cause of death
Hypothermia (environmental cold exposure)
AI-generated summary
This case concerns the death of a 54-year-old man who died from hypothermia while bushwalking the Western Arthur Range in Tasmania. He had planned to turn back due to forecast bad weather but became disoriented in poor conditions. His body was found on 28 December with no signs of trauma. Blood tests showed recent cannabis use, which may have impaired judgment. His emergency communication device was non-functional due to lack of active subscription. Contributing factors included inadequate headwear for conditions, limited alpine experience, walking alone in remote wilderness, and possible cognitive impairment from cannabis. The coroner emphasised the importance of proper equipment, active emergency communication devices, understanding weather risks, avoiding solo wilderness travel, and avoiding substances that impair decision-making.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Contributing factors
- Poor weather conditions (hail, high wind)
- Inadequate headwear (Akubra style hat instead of wool or polar fleece beanie)
- Recent cannabis use causing possible cognitive impairment and impaired judgment
- Non-functional emergency communication device (Garmin Inreach with inactive satellite subscription)
- Walking alone in remote wilderness
- Limited experience with Tasmanian alpine conditions
- Disorientation observed during encounter
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