Deceased
MATTHEW THOMAS FITZPATRICK
Demographics
33y, male
Date of death
2017-11-25 to 2017-12-03
Finding date
2020-01
Cause of death
COMPLICATIONS OF HYPOTHERMIA
AI-generated summary
Matthew Fitzpatrick, 33 years old with bipolar disorder and inconsistent medication adherence, died of complications of hypothermia on Mount Stirling in November 2017. He failed to return from an organised horse trail ride. The coroner investigated extensive family criticism of the search and rescue operation but concluded after detailed review that the multi-agency response (over 100 police, 27 SES, 21 DELWP, and other personnel) was reasonable, appropriate, and conducted according to relevant principles and legislation. The coroner found no reasonable basis for criticism of official searchers' conduct. The death was tragic but not preventable through improved search efforts. The coroner recommended Victoria Police implement a Family Liaison Officer policy to improve communication and reduce tension during missing person investigations.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
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Source and disclaimer
This page reproduces or summarises information from publicly available findings published by Australian coroners' courts. Coronial is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any coronial court or government body.
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