Finding into death of Adam John Matthews

25y · Male·Stab injury to the neck

Adam Matthews, a 25-year-old man with a history of substance abuse and untreated metastatic melanoma, was found deceased in the Goulburn River in November 2000 with multiple stab wounds to the neck. Post-mortem examination revealed stab and incised injuries consistent with a heavy sharp implement such as a machete or tomahawk. Some injuries appeared defensive in nature. Toxicology showed alcohol and amphetamines present. Adam had refused chemotherapy and surgery for his diagnosed lower left leg and rib cancer earlier in 2000. The death was attributed to stab injury to the neck. The homicide investigation remained ongoing at the time of inquest. No clinical interventions or medical management failures were identified as contributing factors to the cause of death.