Inquest into the Suspected Death of Nicholas Lutci PAVLIDIS
Deceased
Nicholas Lutci PAVLIDIS
Demographics
male
Date of death
2015-10
Finding date
2025-09-15
Cause of death
unascertained
AI-generated summary
Nicholas Pavlidis disappeared in October 2015 after last being seen alive on 14 October 2015. His abandoned vehicle was reported to police on 24 October 2015 in Yanchep bushland, but initial police response treated it as a routine abandoned vehicle matter and referred it to local government authorities rather than investigating welfare concerns. Mr Pavlidis was reported missing on 8 November 2015 after his friend discovered the abandoned car. The coroner found that earlier police attendance to inspect the vehicle, particularly given reported damage and inability to contact the owner, may have identified his disappearance sooner. Mr Pavlidis had documented mental health deterioration including paranoia, anxiety, and isolation; he had ceased taking prescribed medications and withdrawn from counselling. Skeletal remains confirmed as Mr Pavlidis were discovered in October 2024 in Yanchep National Park. The coroner recommended that WA Police amend policy to require consideration of welfare concerns when responding to abandoned vehicle reports, not just criminal matters.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- deteriorating mental health with paranoia and anxiety
- social isolation and reclusive behaviour
- cessation of psychiatric medications
- withdrawal from psychological counselling
- spontaneous unplanned walking without proper preparation
- inadequate hydration and supplies
- no mobile phone or means of communication
- delay in identifying disappearance due to police abandoned vehicle policy
- lack of welfare check protocol for abandoned vehicles
Coroner's recommendations
- WA Police Force amend Policy TR 01.04 (relating to abandoned vehicles) to require members to consider not only whether the vehicle is stolen or involved in criminal activity, but also whether there are any serious welfare concerns for the owner of the vehicle or the known occupants, before diverting the responsibility for the abandoned vehicle to the relevant local government authority
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