Inquest into the Suspected Death of Peter James GUIDERA
Deceased
Peter James GUIDERA
Demographics
58y, male
Date of death
1998-05-08
Finding date
2025-04-17
Cause of death
unascertained
AI-generated summary
Peter James Guidera, a 58-year-old man with a history of depression, suicidal ideation, and previous suicide attempts, disappeared on 8 May 1998 from Narrogin, Western Australia, shortly after receiving a distressing phone call regarding his divorce settlement. He left work in an agitated and upset state and has never been located despite comprehensive police searches and proof-of-life checks. Evidence suggests he likely died by suicide, though his body was never found. The coroner's finding highlights the importance of recognising suicide risk in patients with depression, recent major life stressors (marriage breakdown), and previous suicide attempts or ideation. Mental health assessment and intervention at critical moments—such as during marriage dissolution or financial crises—may have been lifesaving. Family and employers noted his previous expressions of suicidal intent and method specificity.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Specialties
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- depression
- suicidal ideation and previous suicide attempts
- marriage breakdown and divorce stress
- financial difficulties
- recent major life stressors
- agitated and distressed mental state at time of disappearance
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