Inquest into the death of Shechem Wasan-Garlngarr

23y · Male·Single motor vehicle roll-over collision; traumatic asphyxiation

A 23-year-old Aboriginal man died in a single vehicle rollover on the Stuart Highway, Northern Territory after losing control of a stolen vehicle on wet road surfaces while travelling at excessive speed. He was heavily intoxicated (blood alcohol 0.238%) and unlicensed, driving a stolen utility vehicle containing stolen alcohol. He failed to stop for police, leading to a 17km pursuit which was properly terminated. He continued driving at high speed and crashed ~41km later. He was ejected from the vehicle due to not wearing a seatbelt and died from traumatic asphyxiation trapped under the vehicle. A passenger wearing a seatbelt sustained only minor injuries. This death was preventable had the deceased worn an available, functional seatbelt.