Inquest into the Suspected Death of Anthony JOHNSTONE

33y · Male·Exposure to the elements whilst in a mentally unstable state; manner of death Open Finding

Anthony Johnstone, a 33-year-old Aboriginal man, disappeared in late October 1996 from Wyndham, Western Australia, while in an acutely unstable mental state associated with chronic alcohol use disorder, withdrawal symptoms, and possible hallucinations. Despite extensive searches involving police, family, aircraft, and trackers, he was never located. The coroner established beyond reasonable doubt that he died by end 1996, likely from exposure and exhaustion while evading contact due to his mental disturbance. No remains were ever found. The case highlights the clinical challenges of managing acute delirium/psychosis in remote communities where vulnerable individuals may flee and become lost in harsh terrain. Earlier intervention to admit him to hospital for treatment of alcohol withdrawal and associated mental health crisis, had it been possible given his evasive behaviour, might have prevented this tragic outcome.