Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Christen Lee FOGARTY

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Christen Lee FOGARTY

Delivered on : 2 June 2020

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : On 24 July 2002 Mr Fogarty stayed at home in Newman when his mother left to travel to Meekatharra. Mr Fogarty did not appear to be at home when checked upon by his family and friends on 26, 27 and 29 July 2002.

On 24 July 2002 Mr Fogarty’s entire family left Newman for Meekatharra, intending to travel from there to Mount Magnet. Mr Fogarty had been asked repeatedly by his mother to go with the family, but he stated he wished to stay home and eventually his mother agreed. Mr Fogarty appeared to be happy at the time when they left. Mr Fogarty was standing outside the front door of the house as the family drove off and this is last time they saw Mr Fogarty alive. On 26 July 2002 Mr Fogarty’s mother made arrangements to have someone check on Mr Fogarty and was informed that after checking the house they found it was locked up and no-one was present. On 29 July 2002 Mr Fogarty’s mother asked her niece to check on Mr Fogarty and again there was no sign of Mr Fogarty and it was thought he had not been home for some time.

Mr Fogarty was reported to the Newman police as missing on 29 July 2002. Police and family searched for Mr Fogarty and on 31 July 2002 Newman SES commenced a search but there was no sign of Mr Fogarty. Searchers included SES volunteers, police officers, Enduro Club members on motorbikes, Qantas, with the ultra-light plane, local pilots keeping watch and local shire rangers to assist with communications, well respected Aboriginal trackers and senior members of the local Aboriginal communities, there was also extensive media coverage. A new search area was commenced on 1 August 2002 but there was no trace of Mr Fogarty.

The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Fogarty is deceased. The Coroner determine Mr Fogarty died of unknown causes and made an Open Finding as to how death occurred.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Remote Area : Open Finding


Last updated: 13-Jul-2020

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