Coroner's Finding: Smith, Kimberley Dale

37y · Male·Drowning (most likely cause, though coroner unable to definitively exclude hypothermia or other cause)

A 37-year-old marine biologist died by drowning in Tasmania in July 2012 while attempting to retrieve a dilapidated dinghy from rocky shoreline near his home. He had a history of depression treated with medication and psychiatric care, and had spoken of suicide to acquaintances. He was also a regular cannabis user and heavy alcohol consumer. The coroner concluded his death was most likely accidental rather than deliberate, occurring when attempting to recover the dinghy he had shown determination to restore. Water temperature at the time (13.3°C) meant survival for more than a few hours was unlikely. No medical care issues were identified as this was a drowning in community/water setting rather than a healthcare facility event.