Inquest into the Death of Hurley-Goodacre, Adam Michael

17y · Male·Ligature Compression of the Neck (Hanging) - Suicide

Adam Hurley-Goodacre, a 17-year-old Ward of the State since 1996, died by suicide on 20 February 2007, one week before his 18th birthday. He had a history of suicide attempts in October 2006 while experiencing emotional instability related to relationship difficulties with his girlfriend Rhiannon. Despite involvement of multiple support services including mentors, youth workers, case workers, psychiatrists and his paediatrician, Adam developed poor life skills and lacked insight into consequences of his behaviour. The Department for Child Protection was in significant disarray during this period, affecting continuity of care. On the day of death, following parental discipline for punching a hole in his bedroom over relationship distress, Adam consumed alcohol and hanged himself impulsively in the garage. The coroner found the Department and carers acted appropriately given circumstances, though consistency of support was limited.