Inquest into the Suspected Death of Whisky BIBROU
Deceased
Whisky BIBROU
Demographics
64y, male
Date of death
1976-10-21
Cause of death
Unknown - likely drowning but possibly natural medical event; cause could not be determined without remains
AI-generated summary
This coronal finding concerns a long-term missing person case from 1976. Whisky Bibrou, approximately 64 years old, disappeared on 21 October 1976 while intoxicated and crossing Streeter Creek in Broome to reach town. He was last seen by a companion crossing waist-high water while carrying crabs to sell. Despite searches by police, Water Police, and the Aboriginal community, no trace was found. The coroner established death beyond reasonable doubt based on: his age (would be 107 in 2019), complete absence of any police or government contacts since 1976, failure of unsubstantiated 1977 sighting reports, and the inherent dangers of crossing water while intoxicated. The coroner could not determine cause of death (drowning vs. natural event) or manner (accidental vs. natural causes) without remains. An Open Finding was recorded.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Intoxication at time of disappearance
- Crossing waist-high creek while intoxicated
- Carrying heavy bag of crabs
- Age and potential vulnerability to medical events
- Inability to protect self from immersion if medical event occurred
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