Coronial
VICother

Finding into death of Samuel Kenneth Elsom

Deceased

Samuel Kenneth Elsom

Demographics

30y, male

Date of death

2021-12-26

Finding date

2023-05-26

Cause of death

Multiple injuries sustained in a motor vehicle incident

AI-generated summary

Samuel Elsom, 30, died as a passenger in a motor vehicle collision on 26 December 2021 when the driver lost control at high speed on a rural road. The driver had consumed alcohol (BAC 0.20) and cannabis, both of which significantly impair driving ability. Police had attempted to intercept the vehicle approximately 30 minutes and 51 km earlier but appropriately discontinued pursuit due to safety concerns. The coroner found no proximate causal connection between police actions and the collision. This case highlights the profound dangers of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and cannabis, particularly at excessive speeds on rural roads. Prevention requires awareness of impairment risks and responsible decision-making regarding vehicle operation.

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

Drugs involved

Contributing factors

  • Driver alcohol intoxication (BAC 0.20g/100mL)
  • Driver cannabis consumption
  • Excessive speed (approximately 142 km/h in 100 km/h zone)
  • Loss of vehicle control
  • Rural road environment at night
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