Finding into death of Edward Michael Schutz

80y · Male·Complications of vertebral artery and right carotid artery vascular injuries (operated) and cervical spine injuries in the setting of a body surfing incident

An 80-year-old retired surgeon died from complications of vertebral artery and right carotid artery vascular injuries and cervical spine injuries sustained in a body surfing incident at Sandy Gully Beach. He was struck by large waves while swimming, likely striking his head on the sandy bottom. Despite challenging beach access requiring extended extraction time, the Coroners Prevention Unit concluded treatment by Ambulance Victoria and receiving hospitals was reasonable and appropriate. The serious nature of injuries (bilateral vertebral artery dissection, right carotid artery dissection, complex skull base and cervical fractures, bilateral cerebellar strokes) made severe disability or death the most likely outcome. Clinical lesson: even experienced swimmers face unpredictable ocean forces. The coroner recommended improved warning signage about heavy breaking waves at the beach.