Finding into death of Dean Watt
Deceased
Dean Watt
Demographics
18y, male
Date of death
2012-06-28
Finding date
2014-01-22
Cause of death
Multiple injuries sustained in collision with train (pedestrian)
AI-generated summary
Dean Watt, 18 years old, died from multiple injuries sustained when struck by a train at 11:45 pm on railway tracks between Carrum and Seaford stations. He had a history of drug-induced psychosis treated with risperidone, but was reportedly in good mental health with future plans. He was walking on tracks with his hood up and earphones on, unable to hear the approaching train travelling at 92 kph. The train driver applied emergency brakes but could not prevent collision. The death was accidental. The coroner emphasised pedestrian vigilance regarding rail safety and dangers of auditory distraction from earphones when accessing rail reserves.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Specialties
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Walking on railway tracks not designated for pedestrian use
- Wearing earphones which impeded ability to hear approaching train
- Hood covering head reducing awareness
- Walking with back to approaching train
- History of psychosis and substance abuse
Coroner's recommendations
- Rail authorities should consider development of a campaign similar to that developed by tram operators to remind pedestrians about dangers of rail track environs and in particular, the danger to pedestrians of distraction from earphones and other devices which may impede the ability to perceive or identify that a train is approaching
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