Finding into death of D K
Deceased
DK
Demographics
14y, male
Date of death
2025-01-14
Finding date
2026-05-21
Cause of death
HEAD INJURIES
AI-generated summary
DK, aged 14, died on 14 January 2025 from head injuries sustained when he jumped from a five-metre embankment at the Ovens River near Bright, Victoria, during a family holiday. While jumping into the river with other children, he lost his footing and fell forward onto rock shelves below. Post-mortem examination revealed significant and fatal head injuries including fractures to the left side of the cranial vault and base of skull, with subarachnoid haemorrhage. Ambulance paramedics attended the scene and attempted resuscitation but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced deceased at 5:40 pm. The coroner found the death was an unintended consequence of the accidental impact with the rockface. The coroner recommended installation of warning signage along Canyon Walk to alert visitors to hazards and dangers of jumping from rocks in the area.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Fall from 5-metre embankment
- Loss of footing while jumping
- Impact with rock shelves below embankment
Coroner's recommendations
- That Alpine Shire Council consider the installation of additional signage along Canyon Walk closer or next to the accident site. This additional signage should remind visitors and warn them of the hazards present in the area and the need for caution around the water and rocks.
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