Inquest into the death of Ralph Donald

35y · Male·self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head

Ralph Donald, aged 35, died by suicide after attempting to kill his ex-partner Eileen Gibbons on 3 October 2023 in Milner, NT. The death occurred in context of escalating coercive control including verbal abuse, property control, and physical detention. Over seven months, Eileen made multiple police reports and sought help from services; however, police failed to recognise coercive control (newly legislated in 2024), did not initiate domestic violence orders despite clear opportunities, and did not seize Ralph's firearms despite knowing they were present. DCF received inadequate mandatory reports missing critical information. Ralph sought help for alcohol and relationship issues but was inadequately supported. Services lacked early intervention capacity. The coroner found that had appropriate police responses occurred—including initiating DVOs and seizing firearms—and had Ralph received better support services, his death was preventable.