Inquest into the Suspected Death of Paddy NANCE

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Paddy NANCE

Delivered on :13 May 2020

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : Mr Nance was last seen at the home of his friend in the Mindi Rardi Community via Fitzroy Crossing on 30 September 1999. Mr Nance left his friend’s home after breakfast and there is no clear record of his movements and despite various alleged sightings he was never positively seen again.

Mr Nance’s disappearance was not reported to police for investigation until 5 October 1999. The Fitzroy Crossing Police made enquiries with various communities which it was believed Mr Nance may have visited and also enquiries with the post office as to his pension status. Mr Nance had not picked up his pension on 30 September 1999 and had not picked it up by 5 October 1999. Enquiries at Mindi Rardi community provided no information as to where Mr Nance may be and the discussions with outlying communities were fairly comprehensive, expecting somebody to report if he was present. Enquiries were continued around Halls Creek and the local ABC broadcast the fact he was missing.

On 11 October 1999 the SES conducted various searches around the Fitzroy Crossing area as places of interest were noted, but no further information became available.

The Coroner noted the possible evidence Mr Nance was possibly suffering early dementia and he did from time to time become confused and disorientated, however, he was always located by somebody and returned to Mindi Rardi.

The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Nance is deceased. The Coroner was unable to determine how the deceased died and made an Open Finding as to the manner of Mr Nance’s death.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Open Finding

Last updated: 18-Jun-2020

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