Inquest into the Death of Delray BEASLEY

56y · Male·unascertainable; complications of liver cirrhosis and/or exposure most likely

Delray Beasley, a 56-year-old Aboriginal man with chronic liver cirrhosis from longstanding alcohol abuse, was admitted to Kalgoorlie Hospital in May 2010 following an alleged assault. He was initially evaluated for possible head injury but imaging ruled out significant intracranial pathology. His confusion and neurological symptoms were attributed to alcohol withdrawal and liver disease rather than head injury. By 14 June, he was medically cleared for discharge, though formal arrangements were pending. That evening he left the ward unannounced due to noise disturbance, taking hospital bedding but leaving an intravenous cannula in place. Hospital staff appropriately notified family and police. He was found deceased in bushland on 10 July. Autopsy revealed advanced liver cirrhosis but no definitive cause of death; complications of liver disease or exposure were likely. The coroner noted the case highlights the challenges of managing self-discharging patients with complex social circumstances and the value of formalised missing person procedures in hospitals.