Finding into death of Michael Atakelt

Contributing factors

• Body submerged in Maribyrnong River for several days
• Possible substance use (cannabis detected, GHB not conclusively exogenous)
• Emotional distress (grandfather's death, relationship breakdown)
• Homelessness
• Unknown circumstances of entry into water

Coroner's recommendations

1. Victoria Police implement a three-part proposal for missing persons reporting: (1) provide information at police stations in multiple languages outlining criteria for missing persons reports, required information, and steps taken; (2) introduce a receipting and recording process providing a document to reporting persons identifying date, time, person's name, whether a report was filed, steps being undertaken, names of police members involved, confirmation of information packs provided, and confirmation of explanation and understanding; (3) establish a system to log all Inquiry Response Records where missing persons reports have not been taken
2. Victoria Police provide training and information to members on cultural factors impacting death message delivery and importance of seeking accurate cultural guidance prior to delivery
3. Victoria Police review the language used to categorise and describe deaths to ensure terms are clear and likely to be understood by family and community members