Inquest into the Death of Donald Joseph Hemara WARD
Inquest into the Death of Donald Joseph Hemara WARD
Delivered on : 2 July 2025
Delivered at : Perth
Finding of : Coroner Jenkin
Recommendations : No
Orders/Rules : No
Suppression Order : Yes
On the basis it would be contrary to the public interest, I make an Order under s49(1)(b) Coroners Act 1996 that that there be no reporting or publication of the details of or discussion surrounding operational aspects of WA Police urgent duty/emergency driving policies and procedures, including any cap on the speed at which police officers are authorised to drive.
Summary : Donald Joseph Hemara Ward (Don) was 50 years of age when he died in bushland adjacent to De Witt Road in Karratha on 4 March 2023 from multiple injuries.
Shortly before his death, Don had been riding at high speed on his Harley Davidson motorcycle (the Motorcycle). Don was travelling south on De Witt Road, having been briefly pursued by police. The intercept had been terminated and police lost sight of Don.
A short time later Don left the roadway and rode onto a parallel bush track, before he lost control and was flung off his motorcycle. Don sustained very serious injuries and despite the efforts of attending police and paramedics, he died at the scene.
The coroner was satisfied that Don was riding his motorcycle whilst intoxicated with alcohol and cannabis, and that he was a serious risk to road users.
The coroner concluded that the decision by police to attempt to intercept Don was clearly justifiable and appropriate. The coroner was also satisfied that neither the actions of the police officers during the brief attempted intercept, nor the resuscitation efforts by attending police and paramedics caused or contributed to Don’s death.
Catch Words : Police pursuit : Motorcycle : Intoxicated : Cannabis : Alcohol : Accident
Last updated: 28 July 2025