Inquest into the Suspected Death of Sebastian POULSON

38y · Male·Unascertained; most likely exposure after walking in bushland

Sebastian Poulson, age 38, disappeared from Wangkatjunka Community in remote Western Australia on 19 October 2014. He had serious cardiac conditions including rheumatic heart disease, decompensated congestive heart failure, and rapid atrial fibrillation, with documented non-compliance with medications. He was last seen asleep on a verandah around 2-3 am; by 7 am he was missing. Despite comprehensive aerial and land searches, police investigation, and public awareness campaigns, no trace was found. The coroner concluded he likely died from exposure in bushland near the Community. While his body was never located, the evidence of no bank transactions, no medical service access, no contact with family (including missing birth of his daughter), and expert opinion on survival timeframes in extreme heat (42°C+) led to the finding of death. The case highlights the challenges of investigations in remote locations with limited medical infrastructure and the vulnerability of individuals with significant chronic disease in remote communities.