Coroner's Finding: Walker, Gary Wayne

42y · Male·Traumatic asphyxia due to motor vehicle accident

Gary Wayne Walker, a 42-year-old truck driver, died from traumatic asphyxia following a motor vehicle accident on the Arthur Highway, Tasmania. He was driving a prime mover and trailer loaded with approximately 14,000 kg of chickens when he swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle on a right-hand curve. The swerve caused the trailer to lose control and overturn. Walker was not wearing his seatbelt, likely due to pain from a right inguinal hernia diagnosed in March 2020 awaiting surgery. He was ejected from the cab and became trapped under the overturned vehicle. The collision analysis found the accident resulted from Walker's evasive manoeuvre following a sudden steering correction, not excessive speed. No mechanical defects contributed to the crash. Had Walker worn his seatbelt, he likely would have survived.