Coronial
VICother

Finding into death of Adrian Paul Gibb

Deceased

Adrian Paul Gibb

Demographics

33y, male

Date of death

2017-03-10

Finding date

2018-08-27

Cause of death

Injuries sustained in fall from height

AI-generated summary

Adrian Paul Gibb, a 33-year-old man, died from injuries sustained in a fall from a cliff at Buckleys Road, Allansford, Victoria. He had a history of chronic back pain, depression, insomnia, and occasional marijuana use. His GP last saw him three days before death discussing pain management options; he denied suicidal ideation at that visit. The coroner found his death was misadventure rather than suicide, likely involving a trip on uneven terrain while wearing thongs. The case highlights inadequate safety signage and infrastructure at the cliff-edge location. Key lessons for clinicians include the importance of ongoing mental health monitoring in patients with depression and multiple stressors, recognising that absence of suicidal statements at one consultation doesn't preclude future risk, and the value of documented safety planning discussions.

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

Contributing factors

  • Inadequate safety signage at cliff-edge location
  • Uneven rocky terrain and tripping hazards
  • Unfamiliar with area
  • Wearing thongs on uneven terrain
  • Depression and multiple personal stressors
  • Possible marijuana use at time of death

Coroner's recommendations

  1. Parks Victoria replace the sign located along the walking track that leads from the carpark at Buckleys Road, Allansford, Victoria, and ensure that it meets the relevant Australian Standards.
  2. Parks Victoria consider installing vertical signage at the carpark and further signage along the walking track to warn users of the dangers of standing near or approaching the cliff edge.
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