Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest into the Death of Nathan James GAUNT

Inquest into the Death of Nathan James GAUNT

Delivered on : 27 November 2019

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Jenkin

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : The deceased went missing at The Gap in Albany on 22 October 2018. He was 25 years of age.

The deceased’s vehicle was discovered found stuck on rocks near the carpark at The Gap in the Torndirrup National Park off Frenchman’s Bay Road, Albany. It appeared as if the deceased had been attempting to drive his vehicle off the cliff and into the ocean, when it had become stuck.

Police attended the scene and found blood on the handrail of the viewing platform at The Gap and on rocks leading to the cliff face. A box containing a scalpel handle and scalpel blades were also located. DNA analysis confirmed that the blood located at the scene belonged to the deceased.

Over the next four days police coordinated an extensive air, sea and land search in an unsuccessful attempt to locate the deceased.

The Coroner found that the evidence established beyond all reasonable doubt that the deceased died on or about 22 October 2018, in the ocean in vicinity of The Gap at Albany.

Catch Words : Missing Person : Immersion : Suicide.


Last updated: 13-Dec-2019

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