Coroner's Finding: Best, Christopher Mark

58y · Male·Traumatic pulmonary artery rupture as a result of a motorcycle crash

A 58-year-old man died from traumatic pulmonary artery rupture following a motorcycle crash into a farm gate at low speed (~30km/h). He had a history of neurocardiogenic syncope with recurrent presyncope and palpitations previously investigated by a cardiologist. The most likely cause was loss of consciousness due to syncope while riding, preventing emergency action. The motorcycle lacked functional brakes and had a sticking throttle, making it unsafe and difficult to control. The coroner found that proper motorcycle maintenance and pre-ride inspections—particularly brake and throttle checks—may have prevented the crash. This case highlights the importance of recognising syncope risk in patients with cardiac palpitations and the critical need for equipment safety.