Inquest into the Suspected Death of Brian Anthony DUFFY
Inquest into the Suspected Death of Brian Anthony DUFFY
Delivered on : 15 November 2019
Delivered at : Perth
Finding of : Coroner Vicker
Recommendations : N/A
Orders/Rules : N/A
Suppression Order : N/A
Summary : On 26 February 1993 Mr Duffy was seen walking into the dunes in Falcon, in an intoxicated, depressed and irrational state following an argument. He was never seen again and no trace of him located, other than his thongs left in the dunes.
On the afternoon of 26 February 1993 Mr Duffy was at home in Falcon. He appeared to be in a good mood, but suffering badly with his normal pain due to his back problems and poor circulation in his leg. At the time it was considered Mr Duffy was likely to require an amputation due to the problem with his leg circulation. Mr Duffy was drinking during the afternoon and as he became more intoxicated it was noted he became a bit aggressive and was making irrational statements. At approximately 8.00 pm that evening Mr Duffy had become very drunk and as a result was very agitated. An argument resulted and Mr Duffy left the premises and walked over the road and into the sand dunes. A search was made to find Mr Duffy but only found his thongs on the beach close to the road which suggested he had removed them shortly after he had crossed the road.
Mandurah Police were advised on 27 February 1993 that Mr Duffy was missing. They commenced a search of the beach area but there was no sign of Mr Duffy. The Police helicopter conducted an aerial search of the Falcon area and the beach up and down the coast north to south. The search continued through to 7 March 1993. Despite all efforts police failed to locate Mr Duffy.
The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Duffy is deceased and died at the time in the waters off Falcon Beach. The Coroner was unable to determine how the deceased died and made an Open Finding as to the manner of Mr Duffy’s death.
Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Land and Air Search : Open Finding
Last updated: 14-Jul-2020
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