Deceased
Bailey James Blackwell
Demographics
17y, male
Coroner
Coroner Kate Despot
Date of death
2023-09-22
Finding date
2023
Cause of death
head injury in a fall from a height
AI-generated summary
Bailey Blackwell, a 17-year-old Aboriginal man, died from a head injury sustained in a fall from approximately 20 metres at Big Hill near Stawell. While attempting to jump between ledges on an open cliff face, the ground crumbled beneath his grip, causing him to fall and strike his head. He sustained a severe brain injury, extensive intracranial haemorrhage, skull base fractures, and bilateral lung injuries. Despite rapid emergency response and transport to Alfred Hospital, his injuries were deemed non-survivable by neurosurgical and trauma consultants. The death was classified as misadventure. Key clinical lessons include the importance of rapid pre-hospital assessment and MICA intubation, and recognising when injuries are incompatible with survival to allow dignified end-of-life care. Environmental safety measures at the site were inadequate, with insufficient signage and fencing to prevent public access to dangerous areas.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Clinical conditions
Procedures
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80y · Female·Injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision (driver)
An 80-year-old woman died from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision after likely experiencing a seizure or similar medical episode while driving. She had a history of traumatic brain injury from 1972 and a doc…
32y · Female·Head injuries in a motor vehicle incident
Helena Zoe Broadbent, a 32-year-old pregnant Aboriginal woman, died from severe head injuries sustained when her partner William Wilson drove off in a vehicle while she was partially inside it, causing her to be ejected …
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