Inquest into the Death of Arnold James KING
Deceased
Arnold James KING
Demographics
84y, male
Date of death
2011-11-07/2011-11-13
Finding date
- 19 May 2014
Cause of death
Unknown
AI-generated summary
Arnold James King, an 84-year-old man, disappeared from Ravensthorpe, Western Australia between 7-13 November 2011. He was grieving his wife's death, had recently been treated for depression with hospitalization, was in significant financial debt, and had diabetes. On 7 November he was observed by multiple witnesses with varying descriptions—some noting he appeared well, others noting pallor and slow gait. His home showed signs of planned absence (water pump turned off). An extensive, well-coordinated search over four days covering approximately 25 square kilometres of land and 200 square kilometres by air failed to locate him, though his glasses were found on a track near the hospital. The coroner concluded he died in the bush between those dates but could not determine cause or manner. Multiple possibilities exist: disorientation leading to dehydration (exacerbated by diabetes), cardiovascular event, or fall injuries in difficult terrain. No evidence of foul play or suicide intent was found.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Advanced age (84 years)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Recent depression and grief following wife's death
- Hospitalization for depression 2 months prior
- Financial debt
- Reduced mobility
- Dense, steep terrain with mine shafts
- Possible disorientation
- Possible dehydration
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