Rivett, Brent William

45y · Male·gunshot wound to the head (self-inflicted)

Brent William Rivett, a 45-year-old man experiencing relationship breakdown, unemployment, and financial distress, took two hostages at a Brisbane residence on 26 December 2013 while armed with a sawn-off shotgun. Police responded appropriately to the 000 call and contained the situation professionally. During the siege, Rivett fired once at police then retreated into the house with the hostages. Approximately 12 minutes later, a second gunshot was heard. After hostages were safely extracted via covert entry using ladders, police located Rivett deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The coroner found police actions were appropriate, timely, and in accordance with siege management protocols. No preventable clinical factors were identified. This case highlights the importance of mental health support following suicidal ideation and the risks of social isolation and relationship loss in vulnerable individuals.