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Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest Findings

Home →Inquest Findings→Inquest Findings 2024→Woods, Damien Lyndon

Inquest into the Death of Damien Lyndon WOODS

Inquest into the Death of Damien Lyndon WOODS

Delivered on : 26 March 2024

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Jenkin

Recommendations : No

Orders/Rules : No

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : Damien Lyndon Woods (Damien) was 18-years of age when he went missing at about 1.45 pm on 27 February 2021.  At the time, Damien and some family members were fishing off rocks near Cheynes in Waychinicup National Park, about 68 km east of Albany.

A large wave washed Damien and his cousin into the sea.

Damien’s cousin was rescued by the crew on a vessel from the Albany Sea Search and Rescue service about two hours later, Damien has never been found despite an extensive search co-ordinated by the Police.  The search included foot and vehicle patrols, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, rescue vessels, jet skis, and a police drone.

A thorough police investigation (including proof of life checks) had failed to unearth any evidence that Damien is alive, and that since 27 February 2021, Damien has made no contact with any person, and there have been no reported sightings of him.

The coroner found that the available evidence had established, beyond all reasonable doubt, that Damien drowned on 27 February 2021, in the waters of the Indian Ocean near Cheynes in Waychinicup National Park.

The coroner was also satisfied that police had deployed extensive resources, and the search operation they co-ordinated was comprehensive and appropriate.

Catch Words : Rock fishing : Drowning : Disappearance : Accident

 


Last updated: 9-Apr-2024

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