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Coroner's Court of Western Australia

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

Inquest Findings

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Inquest into the Suspected Death of Wilfred Arthur BARRETT

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Wilfred Arthur BARRETT

Delivered on : 3 June 2020

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : Mr Barrett was last seen alive on 30 April 1984 and over the following few days it was noticed by those resident in the area he was no longer about. A set of footprints had been observed before the fact of his disappearance was fully appreciated. No trace of Mr Barrett was ever located again.

Shortly before Mr Barrett’s disappearance in April 1984 it was noted by those who lived on Mount Monger Station, close to where Mr Barrett squatted in an old miner’s hut, that he was becoming more and more confused and disorientated. In late April 1984 it was reported Mr Barrett was in a very fragile and questionable state of health.

The owner of Mount Monger Station was fairly confident the date of 30 April 1984 is the day Mr Barrett was last seen alive as it was noted he had not been seen around the townsite for a few days. He explained when someone noted someone was missing there would generally be a few questions asked and people would put together what they knew about the event. Once they had worked out when Mr Barrett was last seen they returned to where tracks had been seen and searched the area with the station hands. Mr Barrett’s disappearance was not report to police until 5 May 1984.

On 7 May 1984 Kalgoorlie Police believed it was unrealistic to search the area because ground was too boggy and not safe for searchers. Mr Barrett has not been found nor has his Gloucester bag, which was important to him, ever been recovered.

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

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Open Finding


Last updated: 13-Jul-2020

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