Coroner's Finding: de Plater, Jason

54y · Male·Hypothermia (environmental cold exposure)

This case concerns the death of a 54-year-old man who died from hypothermia while bushwalking the Western Arthur Range in Tasmania. He had planned to turn back due to forecast bad weather but became disoriented in poor conditions. His body was found on 28 December with no signs of trauma. Blood tests showed recent cannabis use, which may have impaired judgment. His emergency communication device was non-functional due to lack of active subscription. Contributing factors included inadequate headwear for conditions, limited alpine experience, walking alone in remote wilderness, and possible cognitive impairment from cannabis. The coroner emphasised the importance of proper equipment, active emergency communication devices, understanding weather risks, avoiding solo wilderness travel, and avoiding substances that impair decision-making.