Coroner's Finding: Tolputt, Trevor

55y · Male·hypothermia

Trevor Tolputt, a 55-year-old man, died of hypothermia on 14 July 2016 while walking the Overland Track alone in severe winter conditions. Despite being reported by another walker at 6-7 pm as not reaching Narcissus Hut, this critical information was not relayed to Parks and Wildlife Services or police until the following morning, delaying rescue by ~12 hours. However, expert evidence established Tolputt would have died by approximately 6:30 pm, making even a timely rescue unlikely given severe weather preventing helicopter response. Key clinical lessons: Tolputt wore inadequate winter gear (non-seam-sealed jacket, no beanie, lean physique), was severely hypothermic when last seen at 4:15 pm appearing only tired, and refused assistance from experienced walkers. The inquest identified systemic failures in communication between the private ferry operator and PWS, lack of emergency procedures, poor inter-agency relations, and gaps in the Walker Safety Checklist. Preventive measures should include stronger messaging on winter preparation, enhanced equipment requirements, mandatory visitor centre presentation, and improved communication protocols between PWS and commercial operators.