Coronial
WAother

Inquest into the Death of Child MA

Demographics

15y, male

Date of death

2023-10-01

Finding date

2026-07-23

Cause of death

multiple injuries from motor vehicle accident

AI-generated summary

Child MA was a 15-year-old Ngadju Noongar boy in out-of-home care under the Department of Communities, residing at Whitlock House family group home operated by Life Without Barriers. He died on 1 October 2023 from multiple injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident near Kanowna when the vehicle he was a passenger in rolled over. The driver, a teenage friend, was operating the vehicle recklessly on an unsealed road and lost control. The coroner found the cause of death to be multiple injuries from the vehicle rollover. The manner of death was unlawful homicide, with both the driver and Child MA's older sister (vehicle owner and facilitator) convicted of dangerous driving offenses. The coroner concluded Child MA's supervision, treatment and care was generally reasonable and adequate. Areas for improvement were identified regarding development of his connection to Aboriginal culture and engagement with maternal extended family members in care planning and decision-making.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.

Drugs involved

Contributing factors

  • dangerous driving by vehicle operator at high speed on unsealed road
  • unrestrained passengers in vehicle tray
  • vehicle loss of traction and rollover
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