Finding into death of Bradley Dobney
Deceased
Bradley Dobney
Demographics
27y, male
Date of death
2018-12-15
Finding date
2021-01-14
Cause of death
Immersion in the setting of a motor vehicle incident
AI-generated summary
Bradley Dobney, 27, died after his Mercedes vehicle veered off the Western Ring Road at Laverton North on 15 December 2018 and submerged in a dam. He drowned. Investigations excluded mechanical failure, alcohol/drugs, dangerous driving, and distraction. Medical review examined whether syncope (fainting) could have caused the incident. Bradley had a history of neurally-mediated syncope episodes triggered by standing, stress, or witnessing illness, investigated by cardiology in 2011 with normal ECG. A 2017 ECG was also normal. Despite extensive investigation, the cause of vehicle departure cannot definitively be determined. The coroner was unable to conclude whether a medical event contributed. First responders were commended for their efforts in extremely challenging water rescue conditions.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Vehicle departed roadway at curve on Western Ring Road
- Possible but unconfirmed medical episode (syncope)
- Inadequate safety barrier at water hazard location
- Vehicle doors locked preventing emergency exit
Coroner's recommendations
- Using the risk-based 'safe system approach', the Department of Transport should conduct a review of Victorian roads in the vicinity of 'bodies of water', to identify and consider whether safety barriers should be installed or extended to protect against potential water hazards.
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