Inquest into the Suspected Death of Eric Donald BRANDRICK
Inquest into the Suspected Death of Eric Donald BRANDRICK
Delivered on : 9 December 2025
Delivered at : Perth
Finding of : Coroner Tyler
Recommendations : N/A
Orders/Rules : N/A
Suppression Order : N/A
Summary : On 31 December 1989 Eric Donald Brandrick (Mr Brandrick), was discharged from Royal Perth Hospital at 2.40 pm This was last reported sighting of Mr Brandrick, however, he was not formally reported missing until 20 February 1990. Mr Brandrick had various medical conditions, including a severe disability due to a stroke which he suffered in September 1988. He appears to have lived a relatively reclusive life. At the time of his disappearance, Mr Brandrick was 47 years of age.
Due to Mr Brandrick missing a number of appointments, including a neurological medical appointment on 19 February 1990, concerns were raised for Mr Brandrick’s welfare. A social worker at the Royal Perth Hospital Rehabilitation Hospital contacted the Western Australia Police to report Eric as a missing person. The Missing Persons Bureau took carriage of the investigation on 21 February 1990, the day after Mr Brandrick was reported missing. Police enquiries revealed Mr Brandrick’s health was generally good until 1976 when he had an appendectomy. In November 1978 and April 1979 he had two episodes of arthritis in both his right and left ankle and he was treated for gout. At this time he disclosed to his treating doctors that he consumed alcohol fairly heavily. Between 1979 and 1981 Mr Brandrick was extensively seen by the Renal Clinic at Royal Perth Hospital for health issues including high blood pressure and kidney stones.
On 13 September 1988 Mr Brandrick was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital where a CT scan showed that he had suffered a stroke. After discharge on 18 October 1988, Mr Brandrick was admitted to the Royal Perth Hospital Rehabilitation Hospital where he remained there until his discharge on 4 November 1988. He had made a relatively good recovery, although his speech was reportedly still slurred and was unable to use his left upper arm, with ongoing visual impairment. Due to his ongoing health complications Mr Brandrick lost his employment as a parcel delivery van driver. Mr Brandrick’s health deteriorated throughout 1989 and he continued to have assistance from Royal Perth Hospital Rehabilitation Hospital who arranged for him to have Silver Chain attend at his home.
After spending Christmas Day with his former housemate Mr Brandrick presented at the Royal Perth Hospital Emergency Department concerned that he may have suffered another stroke. After assessment he was discharged home. On 31 December 1989, Mr Brandrick again attended the Royal Perth Hospital Emergency Department stating he was feeling like he did when he had his stroke. It was noted by the treating doctor that Mr Brandrick appeared to be anxious about the possibility of another stroke and that he seemed generally miserable about life since his stroke. He was discharged from hospital with a plan that the doctor would write to his GP regarding possible depression and that Royal Perth Hospital Rehabilitation Hospital social workers would assist with his desire for new accommodation and through the sheltered workshop find him a position. This is the last confirmed sighting of Mr Brandrick alive.
Western Australia Police Force conducted a thorough investigation into Mr Brandrick’s disappearance, and conducted extensive enquiries in an effort to locate him. Police identified no evidence of suspicious circumstances relating to his disappearance and suspected death. Human remains were located six months after Mr Brandrick disappeared close to where he lived. These recovered remains were examined, however, given genetic testing in relation to these unidentified human remains was inconclusive, the Coroner was unable to be satisfied that the remains were those of Mr Brandrick.
The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Brandrick is deceased and was deceased in relative proximity to the time of his disappearance. The Coroner was unable to determine how the deceased and made an Open Finding as to the manner of Mr Brandrick’s death.
Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Unidentified Human Remains : Open Finding
Last updated: 29 December 2025