Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest into the Death James CLARKE

Inquest into the Death of James CLARKE

Delivered on :5 September 2019

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations :N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : The deceased at the time of his death was a long time resident of Whitby Falls Hospital. He was approximately 61 years of age at the time.

The deceased had been admitted to Heathcote Hospital for mental health reasons. On 16 June 1939 he was transferred to Claremont Hospital and on 27 July 1939 he was transferred to permanent accommodation at Whitby Falls Hospital, Mundijong.

While at Whitby Falls Hospital the deceased was described as a model patient. He worked on the farm within the grounds of the hospital which gave him access to all areas.

On 18 May 1966 the deceased was seen in the hospital dormitory while getting dressed from his pyjamas to day clothes. He did not attend his breakfast that morning which considered out of the ordinary by staff. His absence prompted hospital staff to conduct a search of the immediate area with no sightings. The deceased was reported to the Mundijong Police Station and an extensive land search of the surrounding areas was undertaken but the deceased could not be located.

The Coroner was satisfied the deceased died on or about and most probably on 18 May 1966 in the vicinity of Whitby Falls Hospital, Mundijong.

Catch Words : Missing Person : Open Finding


Last updated: 1-Oct-2019

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